FIFA World Cup 2026
Senegal at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Overview
Senegal is the westernmost mainland nation of Afro‑Eurasia, a French‑speaking republic on the Atlantic, predominantly Muslim, with Dakar on the Cap‑Vert peninsula as its capital and a vibrant Wolof‑inflected culture and music scene.
Senegal have never lifted the trophy, but their best run is as World Cup quarter-finalists (2002) across 3 World Cup appearances. At the World Cup, Papa Bouba Diop features prominently in the scoring charts for Senegal with 3 goals. All-time, Sadio Mané leads Senegal's senior men's scoring list with 45 goals.
At World Cup 2026, Senegal line up in Group I as CAF representatives from Africa. Group-stage fixtures against France, Norway and Iraq open a competitive first-round schedule.
Quick facts
- Capital
- Dakar
- Continent
- Africa
- Federation
- CAF (Africa)
- Group
- I
- FIFA ranking (Nov 2025)
- #19
- World Cup titles
- 0
Geography
- Founded / established
- 1960
- Population
- 18,494,000
- Languages
- French (official); Wolof lingua franca
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Area
- 196,722 km²
- Highest point
- Nepen Diakha (648 m)
- Climate
- Tropical semi-arid north; humid coastal south
- Land borders
- The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania
Football facts
- Appearances
- 3
- Best result
- Quarter-finals (2002)
- Top scorer
- Papa Bouba Diop (3)
- Debut
- 2002
2026 World Cup kits
Home kit
Main color: white
World Cup history
3 World Cup appearances
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Qualified (2026) |
| 2022 | Group stage |
| 2018 | Group stage |
| 2002 | Quarter-finals |
Frequently asked questions
- Has Senegal ever won the FIFA World Cup?
- No. Senegal have not won the men's World Cup; their best finish is World Cup quarter-finalists (2002).
- Which group is Senegal in at World Cup 2026?
- Senegal are in Group I. Group opponents include France, Norway, Iraq.
- What is the capital of Senegal?
- The capital city is Dakar.
- Which FIFA confederation does Senegal belong to?
- Senegal compete under CAF (Africa).
- How many World Cups has Senegal played before 2026?
- Senegal had appeared in 3 FIFA World Cups prior to qualifying for 2026.
- Who is Senegal's all-time leading goal scorer?
- Sadio Mané leads Senegal's senior men's national team with 45 goals in FIFA-recognised matches.