World Cup 2026: Senegal and the curse of Europe's challengers

01.07.26 AET World Cup

Belgium

3

:

Senegal

2

The curse continues for the Senegalese national team, who have just suffered their fifth consecutive defeat against a European opponent in the World Cup. Worse still, the Lions of Teranga have conceded 3 goals in each of their last four encounters of this kind.

Senegal held onto hopes of qualifying for the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup before being dramatically overturned at the very end. Pape Thiaw's men were leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Habib Diarra (24') and Ismaïla Sarr (51'), but ultimately succumbed to Romelu Lukaku (86') and Youri Tielemans (89' and 120+5').

Since their 2-1 victory over Poland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Senegal have known nothing but defeat against teams from the Old Continent. In 2022, Sadio Mané and his teammates lost 2-0 to the Netherlands, then 3-0 to England in the round of 16 of the Qatar World Cup.

The Senegalese lost to France 3-1 and to Norway 3-2 in Group I of this 2026 World Cup before falling to Belgium 3-2 in the round of 32. A disastrous record against Europe that shows the Lions must demonstrate more maturity in future tournaments if they ever hope to reach the final four of a World Cup.

The last 5 matches for Senegal against European opponents at the World Cup:

World Cup 2022:

Senegal – Netherlands 0-2

Senegal – England 0-3

World Cup 2026:

Senegal – France 1-3

Senegal – Norway 2-3

Senegal – Belgium 2-3 a.e.t.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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