Senegal arrive at FIFA World Cup 2026 carrying one of international football's most extraordinary storylines — a championship won, then taken away, then disputed before the highest court in sport.

Pape Thiaw's side triumphed in the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, defeating Morocco in extraordinary circumstances. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review for a challenge by Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz, prompting Thiaw to order his players from the pitch in protest. A 16-minute standoff followed before Sadio Mané led the squad back out. Édouard Mendy then saved Diaz's penalty, and Pape Gueye settled the match with a winner in extra-time.

Two months later, the CAF appeal board stripped Senegal of the AFCON title — though the case is still to be heard before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). That ruling did not prevent the squad from parading the trophy ahead of a friendly against Peru, and, as far as those inside the country are concerned, the title belongs to them.

AFCON as a rehearsal

For former forward El Hadji Diouf, that turbulent run to the title was precisely the test Senegal needed ahead of this summer. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports at PUMA's 'Rolling Nations' kit launch event in New York, Diouf was emphatic about his country's ambitions.