Senegal National Team Prepares for 2026 World Cup with Diaspora and Academy Players

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said after a March match that he would step aside if he doubted the team could win the 2026 World Cup in North America. French-Senegalese journalist Babacar Diarra told Al Jazeera the players and coach believe the statement. Diarra added that the opening match against France would indicate the team’s level.

Of the 28 players selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, 13 came from Senegalese academies including Generation Foot, Diambars, Dakar Sacre Coeur and Casa Sports. These academies have sent multiple graduates to Europe’s top five leagues. The 13 academy players generated 100,000 euros in transfer fees across 13 moves.

2 million euros, and the players’ careers have produced 411 million euros in total transfer fees.

The federation recently secured commitments from French-born PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, and Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr, 20. Both had previously played for France at the U20 level. Director of development at Diambars FC Cherif Sadio said the federation targets diaspora players aged 16 to 19 before they commit to another national team.

>"We produce world-class players, we develop talents who generate hundreds of millions of euros in transfer fees, we win continental titles – and at the same time our local clubs struggle to survive, our stadiums are dilapidated, our leagues lack visibility, and our administrators struggle to master the legal and financial mechanisms of modern football.