The Senegalese national football team is scheduled to play a friendly match against a 'Rest of the World' selection at the Stade de France on June 6, 2026. The event is billed as a celebration of Senegal's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory.
The organization of the match has sparked controversy within Senegal. Opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Aminata Touré, have criticized the event, labeling it a political maneuver by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's administration to bolster its image ahead of the 2027 presidential election. They argue public funds should not be used for such an event.
Government officials and the Senegalese Football Federation have defended the match, stating it is a sporting celebration for the diaspora and fans, financed primarily by private partners and ticketing. They deny using state funds for political purposes.
The controversy highlights the intersection of sport and politics in Senegal, with the friendly match becoming a focal point for broader political debates about resource allocation and government priorities.
