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Why isn’t Edouard Mendy playing for Senegal against Iraq at the 2026 World Cup?
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.
Official | Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba succeeds Mathieu Bodmer as Le Havre Sporting Director
Former Chelsea FC centre-forward Demba Ba has officially succeeded Mathieu Bodmer as Le Havre Sporting Director, the Ligue 1 side has announced on Friday. Bodmer handed in his resignation after four y...
Japan confirm 2026 World Cup list led by Takefusa Kubo but without Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino
Japan defined their World Cup list with Takefusa Kubo, while Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino are injured. While teams were not yet required to officially name their 26-man World Cup squads, Japan chose to remove any suspense and announce its list early. The squad led by Takefusa Kubo does not include Kaoru Mitoma or Takumi Minamino. Japan’s progress over the past few years has been clear. That is reflected in the clubs these players represent, with only three of them, including two goalkeepers, playing in the domestic league. Bad news for Hajime Moriyasu came with the absence of Mitoma, mainly because the midfielder picked up an injury while playing for Brighton last weekend. The manager said: “The medical team assessed that it would be difficult for him to return to fitness during the tournament.” The list Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki (Parma), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima) Defenders: Yuto Nagamoto (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truidense), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Junnosuke Suzuki (Copenhagen), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord) Mitoma isn’t on the list (Warren Little/Getty Images) Midfielders: Kaishu Sano (Mainz), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Ao Tanaka (Leeds), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Junya Ito (Genk) Forwards: Kaito Nakamura (Stade Reims), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Koki Ogawa (NEC), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Iori Suzuki (Freiburg), Kento Shiogai (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truidense), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Kaoru Ueda (Feyenoord) The group Japan was placed in Group F for the World Cup, where it will face three strong opponents: the Netherlands on June 14, Tunisia on June 21 and Sweden on June 26.
The week in Ligue 1: sunglasses, fire extinguishers, flares and firecrackers
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s rampage hurts Marseille, Strasbourg struggle and Bastia hit a new lowBy Get French Football NewsIt was a dramatic weekend of football in France. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emanuel Emegha played starring roles; so too did the Bastia fans, as the club exited the stage kicking and screaming.The word “fire” has been used a lot in Marseille this season, because it has been blazing or because Habib Beye has sought to extinguish it. Such talk was purely figurative – until this week. Aubameyang was not on the teamsheet when Marseille travelled to Le Havre hoping to end a run of three games without a win. Their recent slump has not only ensured they will fail to qualify for the Champions League, but it has put them in danger of missing out on European football altogether. Continue reading...
PLAYER RATINGS | Le Havre 0-1 Marseille: Mason Greenwood ends goal drought to re-spark OM Europa league hopes
Marseille get back to winning ways with a slender 1-0 win over Le Havre as Mason Greenwood ended a six-game goal-drought to keep OM’s chances of qualifying for Europe alive from the penalty spot.THE...