Senegal 2026 FIFA World Cup Fixtures: Full Schedule, Date, Kick-Off Times, Venues, Stadiums, Key Players, History

Senegal – 2026 World Cup Team Profile

Senegal enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of Africa’s strongest and most respected national teams. The reigning continental champions arrive with a reputation built on athletic dominance, defensive discipline, and a growing presence of elite European-based players.

Drawn into Group I alongside France, Norway, and an inter-confederation playoff winner, Senegal faces one of the toughest groups in the tournament. However, their physical strength, tactical structure, and big-match experience make them a genuine threat to qualify.

Senegal World Cup 2026 Overview

Senegal continues to rise as a global football force, backed by strong performances in recent international tournaments and consistent development of top-tier talent.

Confederation: Confederation of African Football (CAF)

Coach: Aliou Cissé

Best World Cup Finish: Quarter-finals (2002)

World Cup Appearances: 3 (including 2026)

Recent Major Honors:

Africa Cup of Nations Winners (2021)
Africa Cup of Nations Runner-up (2022)

Senegal Key Players to Watch at the World Cup

Sadio Mané (Forward, Al Nassr): Captain and talisman. His leadership, experience, and attacking instinct remain central to Senegal’s success on the biggest stage.

Kalidou Koulibaly (Defender, Al Hilal): Defensive leader known for strength, aerial dominance, and organization at the back.

Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper, Al Ahli): A reliable shot-stopper with elite experience in high-pressure matches.

Ismaïla Sarr (Forward, Marseille): Pace and direct attacking threat on the wings.

Nicolas Jackson (Forward, Chelsea): Young striker offering mobility, pressing, and finishing ability.

Senegal World Cup History

Senegal made its World Cup debut in 2002, famously reaching the quarter-finals and defeating defending champions France in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Since then, Senegal has established itself as one of Africa’s most consistent World Cup participants, qualifying in 2018 and 2022, and continuing into 2026 with a strong and experienced squad.

Senegal 2026 World Cup Opponents

France: Former world champions with elite depth and technical superiority.

Norway: A physically strong European side featuring emerging attacking talent.

Inter-confederation playoff winner: An unpredictable opponent depending on qualification outcome.

This is one of the most competitive groups of the tournament, requiring Senegal to perform at their absolute best in every match.

Senegal 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule, Kick-Off Times, Full Match Fixtures, Venues

All Times (ET, CT, MT, PT)

June 16, 2026

France vs Senegal

Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey, USA
Kick-off: 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM PT

June 22, 2026

Norway vs Senegal

Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey, USA
Kick-off: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 6:00 PM MT / 5:00 PM PT

June 26, 2026

Senegal vs Inter-confederation Playoff 2

Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
Kick-off: 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM PT

How to Watch World Cup 2026 in Senegal, TV Channel, Live Streaming

TV Network: RTS (Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise) is expected to provide national coverage of all matches.

Live Stream: RTS digital platforms and FIFA+ are expected to offer live streaming access across Senegal.

Senegal World Cup Coaching and Tactics

Coach Aliou Cissé builds his team on discipline, physical strength, and structured defending. Senegal excels in compact defensive shapes, quick transitions, and exploiting pace in wide areas.

Set pieces and counterattacks remain key weapons, especially against stronger opposition.

Senegal World Cup Expectations and Predictions

Senegal’s primary goal is to reach the knockout stage from a very difficult group. Finishing in the top two will require consistent high-level performances, particularly against Norway and the playoff qualifier.

A quarter-final run would match their historic best achievement and represent a major success.

Venue and Travel Notes

Senegal’s matches are split between MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey and BMO Field in Toronto, giving fans access to two major North American football hubs.

Supporters are expected to travel in strong numbers, continuing Senegal’s reputation for vibrant and passionate World Cup support.

Source: FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule, CAF, ESPN, BBC Sport, and other football references. Fixtures and broadcast details remain subject to final confirmation.

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