Senegal: Moustapha Mbow and Ilay Camara left out as the 26 Lions selected for the 2026 World Cup

Africa 02 June 2026 at 03:47

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Senegal: Moustapha Mbow and Ilay Camara left out as the 26 Lions selected for the 2026 World Cup

Senegal now knows its squad for the 2026 World Cup. National coach Pape Thiaw unveiled, in the night of June 2, the final list of 26 players called up to defend the Lions’ colors on the world stage. Among the key decisions, defenders Moustapha Mbow and Ilay Camara, who were in the 28-man preliminary squad, have ultimately not made the final cut.

The dream ends here for Moustapha Mbow and Ilay Camara. The two defenders won’t be part of the World Cup journey in the United States, paying the price for their poor performance in the friendly against the USA. This announcement ends the suspense for both players, who had been hoping to secure a spot in the final squad. Their absence is in stark contrast to the inclusion of young Bara Sapoko Ndiaye. At just 18 years old, the Bayern Munich midfielder earns his first World Cup call-up, emerging as one of the biggest surprises in the squad.

The Senegalese team will nevertheless rely on a solid core of experienced players. Long considered doubtful due to physical issues, captain Kalidou Koulibaly has been included. He’ll be joined by established names such as Edouard Mendy, Moussa Niakhaté, Idrissa Gana Guèye, Pape Gueye, and the iconic Sadio Mané.

With this list, Pape Thiaw seems to have struck a balance between international experience and generational renewal. The Senegalese tactician is banking on the continuity of his established leaders while opening the door for new talents who can inject freshness and energy into the squad.

CDM: Senegal’s official squad revealed, Ilay Camara and Moustapha Mbow left out, Bara Sapoko selected https://t.co/9qSZetqcce pic.twitter.com/t9lQsPuTkL
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) June 2, 2026

The Lions can now fully focus on preparing for the 2026 World Cup, driven by the ambition to deliver a campaign worthy of a nation with high expectations on the international scene.