How Senegal became genuine World Cup 2026 contenders – at a cost
Senegal's national football team is emerging as a strong contender for the 2026 World Cup, driven by a mix of diaspora recruitment and local academies. The team's captain, Sadio Mane, emphasizes their ambition to win, reflecting the respect they have gained in the footballing world. Despite past disappointments in World Cup history, Senegal's consistent performance in African tournaments showcases their potential.
- ▪Senegal's coach believes the team can win the World Cup, a statement that reflects their growing respect in international football.
- ▪The country has produced a remarkable number of talented footballers relative to its population size.
- ▪Controversial local academies have played a significant role in developing players for top European leagues.
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Sport|World Cup 2026How Senegal became genuine World Cup 2026 contenders – at a costThe West African nation’s success comes from smart diaspora recruitment, as well as controversial local academies.ListenListen (8 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoSenegal's 34-year-old captain Sadio Mane is set to play in his last World Cup [File: AFP]By Maher MezahiPublished On 27 May 202627 May 2026Senegal coach Pape Thiaw cannot be accused of lacking ambition for the upcoming World Cup in North America.“If, even for a second, I doubted that I could win the World Cup with Senegal, then I would step aside,” he said after a match in March.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Visit all the World Cup 2026…
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