M. Niakhaté
Lyon · Coupe de la Ligue · Defender · #19 · Senegal · 29 yrs
M. Niakhaté news
Who, when and where will Belgium play in the Round of 16?
Belgium defeated Senegal in a thriller to claim a 3-2 victory and secure their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The 2026 World Cup Round of 32 clash between Belgium and Senegal turned into one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far, with the Red Devils completing a stunning 3-2 comeback at Seattle Stadium to book their place in the next round. Senegal took control early, breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute when Habib Diarra pounced on a rebound after Ismaila Sarr rattled the crossbar with a header. The Lions of Teranga doubled their lead in the second half, with Sarr himself finishing off a sprint past three defenders after a long ball from Moussa Niakhate. Belgium looked to be heading for an early exit, but substitute Romelu Lukaku pulled one back late to make it 2-1. The Red Devils then completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time, when Youri Tielemans scored from a header to level the score at 2-2 and send the match to extra time. However, just as the match appeared to be heading toward a penalty shootout, the referee pointed to the spot for Belgium late in the game, and Youri Tielemans made no mistake, sealing the win and sending his team through. WHAT A COMEBACK! đ #BELSEN #ScoredWithING pic.twitter.com/95tMhibciFâ Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 1, 2026 With this crucial win, Rudi Garciaâs men keep alive their campaign to surpass Belgiumâs best-ever World Cup showing, the third-place finish they achieved back in 2018. Belgiumâs Round of 16 rival and venue Belgium will stay in Seattle for their Round of 16 match, facing the winner of the USMNT and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who meet in their own Round of 32 tie. The co-hosts are the ones being favored to win the game, setting up what would be a great matchup between Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Pulisic. For Senegal, the result brings a heartbreaking end to a tournament that once again showed flashes of the spirit that carried them to the quarterfinals back in 2002, but ultimately fell just short at the hands of a Belgian side that refused to go down without a fight.
Is Jeremy Doku playing? Belgium vs Senegal confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game
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 teamâs 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 tonightâs 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 sportâs grandest stage. Confirmed lineups for Belgium and Senegal Belgiumâs 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. Senegalâs 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.
Is Kylian Mbappe playing? France vs Senegal confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group I match
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 MbappĂ© status ahead of todayâs 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 Thiawâs team could pose them major problems. For that reason, fans are keeping a close eye on Kylian MbappĂ©âs status, as he could be the difference-maker. Kylian MbappĂ© will start for France, as he arrives in excellent physical condition. As a central figure in Didier Deschampsâ team, he is once again expected to shine as a goalscorer, being the tournamentâs 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 MbappĂ©, head coach Didier Deschamps will bet on Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©, DesirĂ© DouĂ© 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 ManĂ© and Nicolas Jackson. Nonetheless, head coach Pape Thiaw will rely on Idrissa Gueye to provide solidity in midfield. To prevent Kylian MbappĂ© from scoring, they will turn to Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa NiakhatĂ© in central defense, while Edouard Mendy will start in goal. Desire Doue of France celebrates scoring his teamâs first goal with teammates. France confirmed lineup vs Senegal France will shine with a brilliant offense, chasing MbappĂ© and DembĂ©lĂ© scoring form. Nonetheless, they may struggle with Senegalâs 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 Maneâs counterattacks. With this in mind, France will lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Jules KoundĂ©, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©, DesirĂ© DouĂ©; Kylian MbappĂ©. Senegal confirmed lineup vs France Senegal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as underdogs. While they are one of Africaâs top sides, they are often underestimated despite their defensive solidity and dangerous counterattacking style. Head coach Pape Thiaw will rely on Sadio ManĂ© 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 ManĂ©.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland on alert as Group I rival Senegal reveals loaded 2026 World Cup squad led by Sadio Mane
With Kylian Mbappeâs France and Erling Haalandâs Norway preparing for a difficult Group I, Senegalâs latest selection has already generated excitement ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Sadio Mane is once again set to lead Senegal onto soccerâs biggest stage, and the announcement of the nationâs latest World Cup squad has immediately placed rivals on alert. With Kylian Mbappeâs France and Erling Haalandâs Norway preparing for a difficult Group I, Senegalâs latest selection has already generated excitement ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Lions of Teranga head into the tournament carrying high expectations after unveiling a squad packed with experience, youth, and attacking quality. While much of the early focus has centered around Maneâs leadership, the depth throughout the squad suggests Senegal believes it can challenge some of the biggest nations in world soccer. According to the Senegal Football Federation (FSF), head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has retained the core of the side that has represented the nation during recent international tournaments. The squad includes several familiar stars who helped establish Senegal as one of Africaâs elite national teams over the last decade. Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Nicolas Jackson, and Mane all return, giving the team a strong spine filled with leadership and tournament experience. At the same time, the nation continues to invest heavily in younger players capable of taking the national team into a new era. Talents such as Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, and Assane Diao are expected to play important roles during the competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Sadio Mane of Senegal Senegal finally reveals the full squad Even with Senegal introducing younger players, Mane remains the emotional and tactical centerpiece of the squad. The 34-year-old continues to carry enormous influence both on and off the pitch. The tournament also carries added meaning for the former Liverpool star after he missed the 2022 World Cup through injury. His return gives the team an experienced forward capable of delivering in major moments. While the introduction surrounding the squad announcement focused heavily on the Al-Nassr star, the complete list revealed an impressive collection of talent spread across every department of the pitch. Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Mory Diaw (Le Havre AC), Yehvann Diouf (Nice) Defenders: Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), IsmaĂŻl Jakobs (Galatasaray), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht) Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich) Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor) đ La Liste des 28 Lions retenus par le sĂ©lectionneur national Pape Thiaw pour reprĂ©senter le SĂ©nĂ©gal Ă la Coupe du Monde 2026. #FIFAWC2026 #ListeGaideyi #DemBaJeex pic.twitter.com/lA7qkL9UfVâ Equipe du SĂ©nĂ©gal (@GaindeYi) May 21, 2026 Group that has Europe watching Senegalâs placement in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iraq immediately turned attention toward what could become one of the most competitive groups of the tournament. France enters the World Cup as one of the favorites with Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele leading the attack, while Norway will rely heavily on Haalandâs firepower. FIFA World Cup 2026 groups. That combination makes Senegalâs squad announcement even more significant. The African giant clearly believes they possess enough quality to challenge both European sides and potentially advance deep into the knockout rounds. Their opening match against Fran