E. Koulibaly

Coupe de France · Attacker · #0 · Burkina Faso · 28 yrs

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E. Koulibaly news

Latest headlines and football news for E. Koulibaly on Sportra.

Why isn’t Edouard Mendy playing for Senegal against Iraq at the 2026 World Cup?

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

Why is Edouard Mendy not playing for Senegal vs Iraq today? Get the official medical update on the goalkeeper's knee injury at the 2026 World Cup. Senegal face a massive tactical setback ahead of their final, high-stakes Group I clash against Iraq at BMO Field in Toronto. First-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been officially omitted from the starting lineup, leaving a massive structural void between the posts for the Teranga Lions. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed that the Al-Ahli custodian has been sidelined due to a left knee injury sustained during Monday’s grueling Matchday 2 defeat against Norway. The physical trauma occurred in the 63rd minute of the match at MetLife Stadium. After executing an aerial claim and landing awkwardly, the 34-year-old immediately signaled to the technical area in clear discomfort. Despite attempting to push through the pain barrier, Mendy was forced to walk off the pitch, prompting an immediate substitution for backup keeper Mory Diaw. Mendy’s injury: The official medical verdict Following extensive clinical tests conducted by the national team’s medical staff, the FSF issued a formal statement ruling the former Chelsea shot-stopper out of the group-stage finale. Initial assessments indicate acute joint trauma to the left knee, with medical specialists carrying out complementary examinations to determine the exact extent of the damage, specifically looking at the lateral ligament and cartilage stability. Edouard Mendy #16 of Senegal is helped by team staff as he leaves the pitch (Getty Images). “Following a left knee injury sustained during the match against Norway, Edouard Mendy will be unavailable for Senegal’s next game,” the federation noted. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly admitted the injury dealt a psychological blow to the squad, highlighting how vital the veteran keeper’s vocal command is to organizing their defensive block. Tactical reconfiguration for Pape Thiaw Mendy’s enforced absence forces manager Pape Thiaw to pivot to his reserve options at a moment where Senegal has absolutely zero margin for error. Having dropped their opening fixtures to France and Norway, the West African giants sit at the bottom of the section with zero points, meaning they must secure a comprehensive victory over Iraq to have any mathematical hope of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. Le Havre goalkeeper Mory Diaw is thrust into the spotlight to command the penalty box today. While Diaw possesses excellent reflexes and domestic experience, replacing a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner and UEFA Champions League champion in a World Cup elimination fixture represents a monumental challenge.

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How Senegal’s win, draw, or loss vs Iraq could impact the 2026 World Cup Group I standings

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

This clash will determine whether either national team can keep their knockout-stage dream alive after both suffered defeats in their opening two matches. Senegal and Iraq enter their final 2026 World Cup group match knowing that their tournament future could be decided by a single result. This clash will determine whether either national team can keep their knockout-stage dream alive after both suffered defeats in their opening two matches. Both sides arrive at the meeting after difficult campaigns so far, with Senegal losing to France and Norway, while Iraq fell against the same two opponents. The final Group I fixture represents a last opportunity for both national teams to fight for a place among the eight best third-placed teams that will advance to the Round of 32. Before the final matchday, France and Norway have already secured their places in the knockout stage after collecting six points from two victories each. France sits top with a +5 goal difference, while Norway follows closely behind with a +4 mark, meaning their own head-to-head battle will decide first place. At the bottom of the group, Senegal and Iraq remain without a single point. Senegal currently holds third place because their goal difference is -3 compared to Iraq’s -6, but both teams know that only a victory can give them a chance of continuing their World Cup journey. PositionTeamGPWDLGDPTSStatus1.France2200+56Qualified2.Norway2200+46Qualified3.Senegal2002-30Active4.Iraq2002-60Active A draw would leave both teams with just one point, which is expected to be insufficient in the race for the best third-place spots. The pressure is enormous, especially because the 48-team World Cup format gives teams one final opportunity to survive through the expanded knockout qualification system. What happens if Senegal wins? If Senegal beats Iraq, the Lions of Teranga will finish third in Group I with three points and eliminate Iraq from the tournament. However, Senegal’s qualification would still not be guaranteed. The African side would need to wait for results from other groups because only the eight strongest third-place teams will advance to the Round of 32. The Senegal team before the International Friendly match between Brazil and Senegal Goal difference could become the deciding factor. Senegal enters the match with a -3 goal difference after defeats against France and Norway, meaning a convincing victory would greatly improve their chances of moving into the knockout stage. What happens if Iraq wins? If Iraq defeats Senegal, the Lions of Mesopotamia will move into third place with three points, while Senegal will finish last and be eliminated. The challenge for Iraq is that their goal difference puts them in a difficult position. After heavy defeats to Norway and France, Iraq enters the final game with a -6 goal difference, meaning a narrow victory may not be enough to secure one of the best third-place positions. Iraq players celebrating A big win would significantly improve Iraq’s chances, but the national team would still need favorable results from other groups. Their path is much more complicated because they need both a positive result and help elsewhere. Iraq has shown fighting spirit despite facing one of the toughest groups in the tournament. Their only goal so far came from Aymen Hussein, who scored against France, but defensive struggles have left them with a difficult task heading into the final match. What happens if Senegal and Iraq draw? If Senegal and Iraq finish level, both teams will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. A draw would technically move Senegal to third place because of their better goal difference, while Iraq would remain fourth. However, one point would not be enough to compete with the other third-place teams fighting for knockout qualification. Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal reacts The result would end the World Cup hopes of two teams that entered the tournament with different expectations. Senegal arrived as one of Afric

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World Cup star criticises controversial US visa policy after fans banned from country

mirror.co.uk · last month

Kalidou Koulibaly has publicly criticised the VISA situation in the USA which has meant that a number of countries, Senegal included, are without the bulk of their fans who are unable to enter the country

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s title hopes receive lift: Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Kalidou Koulibaly likely out for season as his 2026 World Cup status emerges

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 months ago

The Saudi Pro League title race has taken another dramatic turn, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr closely monitoring developments surrounding rival club, Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Saudi Pro League title race has taken another dramatic turn, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr closely monitoring developments surrounding rival club, Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly. As the season approaches its decisive stretch, attention has shifted toward the Senegal international’s condition and what it could mean for both the domestic campaign and the international stage. Al-Hilal had been counting on Koulibaly’s leadership and defensive stability during the closing weeks of the season. However, recent updates have created growing uncertainty around the experienced center-back, especially with several crucial matches still to play. Koulibaly’s injury reportedly occurred during training several weeks ago, and his recovery has progressed more slowly than initially expected. Medical staff have continued to monitor the defender closely, but signs increasingly point to a prolonged absence. The Senegal international is now expected to miss the remainder of the season, including major domestic fixtures and the King’s Cup final, as per Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan. The timing has been particularly difficult for Al-Hilal, which is still fighting to challenge Al-Nassr for the top spot in the league table. His absence has already ruled him out of multiple important fixtures, including the highly anticipated clash against Ronaldo’s side and the King’s Cup final. Kalidou Koulibaly of team Al-Hilal FC celebrates scoring That development has naturally drawn attention in Riyadh, given how significant every point and every match has become in the title battle. Losing a player with Koulibaly’s experience during this stretch represents a major setback for Al-Hilal’s defensive structure. Boost for Cristiano Ronaldo’s title push From a competitive perspective, Koulibaly’s absence may benefit Ronaldo’s side in the Saudi Pro League race. Al-Hilal now faces key matches without one of its most reliable defensive figures, including the highly anticipated clash against Al-Nassr. That development could alter the balance in a title battle already defined by fine margins. The defender’s leadership has often helped stabilize the team during difficult moments, particularly in high-pressure encounters. Without him, the defensive structure loses experience, communication, and composure. Those qualities become especially important late in the season when every point carries championship implications. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr Koulibaly’s 2026 World Cup status revealed As concern around the injury intensified, attention naturally turned toward the international picture. Koulibaly’s availability for the 2026 World Cup has now become a growing worry for Senegal, with uncertainty surrounding whether he will fully recover in time for the tournament. The defender remains central to Senegal’s ambitions on the global stage, not only because of his performances but also because of his authority inside the dressing room. His role as captain makes him irreplaceable in many respects, especially during major tournaments where experience often proves decisive. Supporters are therefore anxiously awaiting updates on his rehabilitation. Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal reacts While medical staff remains cautiously optimistic, no firm timeline has been established regarding his full return. The coming months are expected to determine whether he can regain match fitness and rhythm before the competition begins. For Senegal, the uncertainty itself is deeply unsettling.

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