Senegal's World Cup qualification campaign is hanging by a thread after a series of errors both on and off the pitch. The Lions of Teranga, led by coach Aliou Cissé, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Togo on June 21, 2026, in a crucial Group B match of the CAF qualifiers. The loss leaves Senegal in third place in the group, with only the top team advancing to the World Cup.
Off-field issues have compounded the team's struggles. The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with president Augustin Senghor facing criticism over his handling of the team's preparations. Reports indicate that Senghor, who has been in power since 2009, has been accused of mismanagement and lack of transparency, leading to a vote of no confidence from some members of the FSF executive committee.
The on-field performance has also been disappointing. Senegal, ranked 20th in the FIFA World Rankings, has managed only one win in their last five qualifiers, drawing two and losing two. Key players like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly have been unable to replicate their club form for the national team, with Mané missing a penalty in the loss to Togo.
With only two matches remaining in the qualifiers, Senegal must win both and hope for favorable results from other groups to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The team's next match is against Sudan on September 5, 2026, followed by a clash with Namibia on September 9, 2026.
