NATIONAL TEAM · 38 / 48GROUP I · SEN
Senegal
IGroup4Matches3#3PTS
Pape Thiaw did not arrive in 2024 promising revolution. Promoted from within after Aliou Cissé left, he kept the spine intact, and that spine is the most decorated in active African football: champions of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, captained at the back by Kalidou Koulibaly, guarded by Édouard Mendy, lifted up front by Sadio Mané. This is Senegal's fourth World Cup and third running, and the problem is a stubborn one. The Lions of Teranga reached the round of 16 in 2022, then went out at the same stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Everyone rates them; they keep stalling at one hurdle. In Group I, with France, Norway and Iraq, second place is the honest target, which means Pape Matar Sarr's generation must finally clear it.
Standings · I
After matchday 3 of 3| # | Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FRA | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +8 | 9 |
| 2 | NOR | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
| 3 | SEN | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +2 | 3 |
| 4 | IRQ | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -11 | 0 |
When does Senegal play their first match?
Senegal's opening match is on June 16, 2026 at 19:00 UTC against France, played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Who are Senegal's group rivals?
Senegal is drawn into Group I of the 2026 tournament alongside France, Iraq, Norway. Each team plays the other three once; the top two of every group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 32.
What group is Senegal in?
Senegal is in Group I. The group also features France, Iraq, Norway.
How many matches will Senegal play in the tournament?
Senegal are scheduled to play 4 matches at this stage, starting with the group stage. They could play up to seven matches in total if they advance all the way to the final.
How can Senegal advance from Group I?
Senegal need to finish in the top two of Group I to qualify directly for the Round of 32, or among the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups. Three points for a win, one for a draw, and goal difference is the first tiebreaker.