Senegal's World Cup campaign was thrown into turmoil on June 19, 2026, when players refused to train ahead of their crucial Group H match against Norway. The protest stemmed from unpaid bonuses and dissatisfaction with hotel accommodations in the United States, according to multiple reports.
Team captain Kalidou Koulibaly reportedly led the delegation in talks with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). The players had not received their promised appearance fees and bonuses for the tournament, leading to a standoff that delayed preparations.
The FSF acknowledged the dispute in a statement, saying negotiations were ongoing. 'We are working to resolve the situation amicably and ensure the team is fully focused on the match,' the federation said. The match against Norway is scheduled for June 21 at 2:00 AM local time.
This is not the first time Senegal has faced bonus disputes at a major tournament. In 2018, similar issues arose before the World Cup in Russia, though they were resolved before the tournament began. The current situation threatens to derail Senegal's hopes of advancing from a group that also includes France and Australia.
