Senegal prepare for World Cup amid Africa Cup of Nations title appeal
Senegal will begin their World Cup 2026 campaign in North America this summer while awaiting a crucial Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling over their revoked Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Lions of Teranga have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway and Iraq.
They enter the tournament hoping to build on Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago.
AFCON final chaos overshadows preparations
The West African nation’s build-up has been heavily distracted by the fallout from January’s chaotic continental final against Morocco.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest after their opponents were awarded a highly contentious penalty deep into second-half stoppage time.
Upon returning 17 minutes later, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved a Panenka attempt from Brahim Diaz before Pape Gueye secured a 1-0 victory in extra time.
Stripped of the continental title
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) later overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 forfeit victory because of the unauthorised walk-off instigated by manager Pape Thiaw.
The Senegalese federation immediately appealed the controversial decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Babacar Diarra, an African football expert, insists the squad and their supporters remain unfazed by the boardroom politics.
“The most recent reaction is that fans and players are just sticking to what happened on the pitch,” Diarra said.
“They want to consider themselves African champions, and they demonstrated that at the Stade de France by showing the trophy to the fans.”
“Whatever happens behind the scenes with the CAS decision, they own the trophy.”
