World Cup 2026: Why is Senegal's situation raising even more concerns?

26.06.26 FT World Cup

Senegal

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Iraq

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The 3-2 defeat in the second round of the World Cup at MetLife Stadium has only deepened doubts about the Senegalese national team. The Norwegians outmuscled and dominated the game, led by Haaland and his teammates, handing the "Lions of Teranga" their second straight loss after falling to France and Kylian Mbappé.

In reality, this downward spiral goes beyond the World Cup itself. During their preparations, Senegal had already lost to the United States and only managed a draw against Saudi Arabia. The tally: four games without a single win. This is the worrying stat looming before the showdown with Iraq.

You have to go back to 2018, before the World Cup in Russia, to find a similar winless streak for the Lions of Teranga.

That streak cannot be allowed to continue, because only a win will keep the 2021 African champions' hopes alive for reaching the Round of 16 in this World Cup.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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