Africa Cup of Nations · Defender · #15 · Senegal · 26 yrs
With Belgium clashing for a ticket to the Round of 16 against Senegal, questions rose over the presence of Jeremy Doku in the heated World Cup game. Belgium and Senegal are set to collide on Wednesday, July 1st, in a high-stakes Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup at Seattle Stadium. After the young winger temporarily stepped away from the national team camp, fans have been buzzing with questions regarding whether Jeremy Doku would return straight to the starting lineup for the Red Devils. Doku has officially been named to the starting XI to face Senegal in this crucial knockout match. After briefly leaving the team’s base camp to attend the birth of his son (which caused him to miss the group-stage match against Iran), the Manchester City winger made a seamless return to action against New Zealand and is now in peak physical condition to anchor the attack against the African powerhouse. Belgium enters the knockout rounds after snapping a frustrating streak of three consecutive World Cup draws (dating back to a scoreless stalemate with Croatia in 2022) by securing a dominant 5-1 blowout over New Zealand. By locking up the top spot in Group G with five points, the Red Devils are now desperate to erase a recent winless funk against African opposition, having previously fallen to Morocco 2-0 and settling for a 1-1 draw against Egypt earlier in this tournament. On the other side of the pitch, Senegal scraped into the knockout bracket by securing the final wild-card spot among the top third-place finishers, surviving the group phase with just three points. After opening their campaign with highly competitive 3-1 and 3-2 losses to France and Norway respectively, a resounding 5-0 clinical destruction of Iraq threw a much-needed lifeline to the Lions of Teranga, who are making the most of their fourth World Cup appearance in national history. Ben Old of New Zealand competes for the ball with Jeremy Doku of Belgium. A historic, first-ever meeting between two powerhouse nations Despite both programs consistently ranking among the top 20 nations in the world over the last decade, Belgium and Senegal have remarkably never crossed paths on the soccer pitch, not even in an international friendly. This means that tonight’s high-stakes Round of 32 battle will mark the first time these two teams have ever shared a field, opening up a brand-new head-to-head chapter on the sport’s grandest stage. Confirmed lineups for Belgium and Senegal Belgium’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Arthur Theate, Maxim De Cuyper; Hans Vanaken, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans; Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku.Head coach: Rudi Garcia. Senegal’s confirmed lineups (4-2-3-1): Mory Diaw; Krepin Diatta, Pathe Ciss, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Idrissa Gana Gueye, Habib Diarra, Pape Gueye; Iliman Ndiaye,Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane.Head coach: Pape Thiaw.
Senegal transformed into one of the best African national teams. Under head coach Pape Thiaw, they have managed to play their third consecutive World Cup. After their latest loss to France, they maintain a very good position in the FIFA World Ranking before facing Norway. Even though they are not one of the traditional World Cup teams, Senegal have managed to establish as one of the most consistent sides in recent editions of the tournament, securing their third consecutive appearance. Although they were defeated by France, they showed strong competitiveness, fighting for victory throughout the match. In addition, they maintain a strong position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking before facing Norway. Ahead of today’s clash, Senegal are ranked 17th spot with 1,667.66 points, as per FIFA Men’s World Ranking. With their latest defeat to France, they lost two spots. With head coach Pape Thiaw have managed to significantly improve their international standing, compared to their 99th spot from June of 2013. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 12th on January of 2026. Despite their impressive impact in the African Cup of Nations, Senegal remain the second lowest-ranked national team in their group. France currently hold the 2nd spot with 1887.11 points. Norway are ranked 27th with 1,577.18 points. Finally, Iraq remain the lowest-ranked national team in the group, holding the 60th spot with 1426.53 points. Senegal remain the best African team, winning the African Cup of Nations on penalties, which was later awarded to Morocco by federation decision. Beyond Sadio Mané, they also rely on players such as Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr, Krépin Diatta, and Ibrahim Mbaye, who can make the difference. In addition, they could opt for possession-based dominance, something they have refined over the last few years. Sadio Mane of Senegal Senegal may need Sadio Mané’s best version vs Norway Despite Norway having a highly promising sporting project, Senegal enter the match as clear favorites to secure the victory. By imposing a dominant playing style, they could press high and shut down the opponent’s attack. To achieve this, they may need the impact of Sadio Mané, their biggest star. Although he performed well in a collective sense against France, the veteran forward needs to lead the attacking phase. Facing a solid defensive block, Senegal could require the dribbling version of Sadio Mané. With his impact and tactical intelligence, he could be key to drawing defenders and breaking through the opposition’s defence. Alongside this, he could also be decisive from long-range shots, looking for goals against a low block. In addition, he could help elevate Nicolas Jackson, who failed to score in his first match. Finally, Ibrahim Mbaye could start, after his strong impact against France.
After the first surprises in the 2026 World Cup, France face Senegal in their debut in the competition. For this reason, fans are keeping an eye con Kylian Mbappé status ahead of today’s Group I clash. France emerge as one of the best national teams in the world. With a promising roster, they are viewed as top contenders for the 2026 World Cup. In their debut in the competition, they face Senegal, looking for a victory to take the lead in Group I. As one of the best African teams, Pape Thiaw’s team could pose them major problems. For that reason, fans are keeping a close eye on Kylian Mbappé’s status, as he could be the difference-maker. Kylian Mbappé will start for France, as he arrives in excellent physical condition. As a central figure in Didier Deschamps’ team, he is once again expected to shine as a goalscorer, being the tournament’s top scorer. In addition, he has already promised a greater defensive effort, as he aims to enhance the collective play. For this reason, he is expected to be one of the best players in the 2026 World Cup. Coupled with Mbappé, head coach Didier Deschamps will bet on Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué and, Michael Olise. Nonetheless, France main challenge may be the defense line as Senegal shine with an impressive offense with speed counterattacks. In light of this, they may decided to pick Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot in the double midfield line. Then, Dayot Upamecano and William Salida will shine in the defense line. Looking for a decisive victory, Senegal will also adopt an attacking setup led by Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson. Nonetheless, head coach Pape Thiaw will rely on Idrissa Gueye to provide solidity in midfield. To prevent Kylian Mbappé from scoring, they will turn to Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaté in central defense, while Edouard Mendy will start in goal. Desire Doue of France celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates. France confirmed lineup vs Senegal France will shine with a brilliant offense, chasing Mbappé and Dembélé scoring form. Nonetheless, they may struggle with Senegal’s speed offense, making a solid midfield and defense a key asset. In light of this, head coach Didier Deschamps has decided to trust on Aurelien Tchouameni as his physicality could help to stop Sadio Mane’s counterattacks. With this in mind, France will lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé. Senegal confirmed lineup vs France Senegal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as underdogs. While they are one of Africa’s top sides, they are often underestimated despite their defensive solidity and dangerous counterattacking style. Head coach Pape Thiaw will rely on Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson as his main attacking threats. However, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye will play key roles, providing leadership and stability throughout the team. Considering this, Senegal will play as follows: Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Malick Diouf; Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané.
The USMNT will be preparing to the 2026 World Cup by hosting the game against Senegal, with star Christian Pulisic performing from the start. The pre-World Cup friendlies are underway, and the United States Men’s National Team, carrying the weight of expectation as a host nation, will face Senegal in the first match of their final preparation tour. With a high-profile matchup on the schedule, Christian Pulisic has been included in the starting lineup. Christian Pulisic is starting the game against Senegal. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is using the games against the African nation and Germany to finalize his preferred lineups for the World Cup, meaning most of his top players will be featuring from the first whistle, and the AC Milan forward is no exception. Drawn into Group I alongside France, Iraq and Norway, Senegal faces what many consider the most difficult group of the entire tournament, yet the Lions of Teranga arrive in strong form. They claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title back in January, though the trophy was subsequently awarded to Morocco following a decision by the Confederation of African Football, and they will be eager to channel that energy into what matters most on the global stage. The USMNT vs. Senegal friendly will be held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. After this warmup, the United States will conclude their preparations against Germany on June 6, while Senegal will face Saudi Arabia on June 9. Carolina Crew.#USMNT x The @HomeDepot pic.twitter.com/tEMhaRUK1e— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) May 31, 2026 Pulisic looking to end his goal drought Despite carrying the most international caps of any player on the 2026 World Cup roster with 84, Pulisic arrives at the tournament mired in the most prolonged scoreless run of his career. Across his last 21 games, 19 with AC Milan and two with the national team, he has failed to find the back of the net, a troubling statistic for the player the team will rely on most in the attacking third. Pochettino, however, has not wavered in his belief that the drought will end when it matters most. “Of course, OK, he didn’t score in the last, I don’t know, six months. He’s going to score in the World Cup. Yes, I really trust on that. I really trust (him). I have confidence on him. He has very good attitude, very good. He’s trying so hard to get his best level, and I think he will achieve it for sure,” the Argentine boss told reporters. Confirmed lineups for the USMNT and Senegal USMNT’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Matt Turner; Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Giovanni Reyna, Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter; Sergino Dest, Ricardo Pep, Christian Pulisic.Head coach: Mauricio Pochettino. Senegal’s confirmed lineup (3-4-3): Edouard Mendy; Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck, Ismail Jakobs; Krepin Diatta, Lamine Camara, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, Habib Diarra; Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mane.Head coach: Pape Thiaw.
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