The Appeal Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the disqualification of Senegal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The sanction was imposed after Senegal was found to have fielded an ineligible player during two qualifying matches.
The initial decision was made by the CAF Disciplinary Board in late 2025. Senegal appealed the ruling, but the Appeal Board has now upheld the original verdict. The matches in question, against Togo and Niger, have been forfeited as 3-0 losses.
As a result, Senegal, the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions, will not participate in the ongoing qualification cycle for the 2026 World Cup. The decision has ended the team's hopes of securing a place in the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Senegalese Football Federation has expressed deep disappointment with the final ruling. The decision is a significant blow to Senegalese football and its supporters, removing a top contender from the African qualification process.
