World Cup 2026: Senegal will play without a star on their jersey

Only World Cup stars are permitted by FIFA

Africa 14 June 2026 at 06:46

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World Cup 2026: Senegal will play without a star on their jersey

16.06.26 FT World Cup

France

Senegal

Senegal, the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions, will not be allowed to display their Africa Cup of Nations victory star on their jersey during the 2026 World Cup.

At the World Cup, only teams that have won the global tournament are permitted to feature a star on their kit. This is a tournament rule that FIFA reminded Senegal of, according to journalist Micky Jnr.

🚨🇸🇳 Senegal have been informed that they cannot wear their Africa Cup of Nations star on their jersey during the World Cup.

The Teranga Lions won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021, but FIFA rules only allow stars on World Cup kits for nations that have claimed the world title (or an equivalent recognized honour...) pic.twitter.com/SZVt6xEU7f
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) 14 June 2026

As a result, the Teranga Lions will not be able to display a star and will have to remove the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations star from their kits.
Senegal is not alone in this situation. Egypt, the record holders with seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, were previously informed of the same rule.

🚨 Breaking:

Egypt will not be allowed to wear their World Cup kit with stars on it.

FIFA has requested they remove the stars before their opening match against Belgium.

The gold color used for player names and numbers must also be changed.

The stars... pic.twitter.com/A2o1mUiktx
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) 13 June 2026