Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has urged his teammates to demonstrate their abilities as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This match will be the second time the Lions of Teranga face Les Bleus in the group stage, having famously stunned the defending champions 1-0 in their first match in 2002. Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals that year, becoming only the second African nation to achieve this feat.
In the upcoming tournament, Senegal is once again drawn with France in Group I, along with Norway and Iraq. They have qualified for four World Cups: 2002, 2018, 2022, and 2026, with a record of five wins, three draws, and four defeats across twelve matches.
“All of our opponents are strong, especially France,” Mendy told FIFA.com. “This is why we play football— to challenge ourselves against the best. We have the chance to do just that in our first World Cup match.”
Mendy emphasised his role in inspiring the next generation, mentioning, “It’s important to give back, as I’ve received so much. I want to help future players from Senegal achieve great things.”
Looking back at their historic victory over France, he said, “That match was a pivotal moment for our country, being our first World Cup win. Now we have our own match to prepare for in a new era.”
Senegal topped Group B in African qualifying, finishing with a 4-0 win against Mauritania. This World Cup will also be notable for being co-hosted by three nations and expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32.
