With just a few days to go before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, excitement is building within the Senegalese national team. The Lions of Teranga are gearing up for a highly anticipated clash against France. This matchup brings back plenty of memories for Senegalese fans, especially the historic upset in 2002 when Senegal stunned the French in the tournament’s opening match in South Korea and Japan.
Twenty-four years after that unforgettable achievement, Senegal’s captain Kalidou Koulibaly prefers to look ahead rather than dwell on nostalgia. Currently in the United States with his teammates preparing for the tournament, the Al-Hilal defender spoke with clarity and maturity during an interview on RMC.
For the solid center-back, every World Cup has its own story and challenges. While the 2002 achievement is a source of pride for all Senegalese, it shouldn’t become a burden or an obsession for the current generation. Koulibaly believes the Lions must focus on their own journey and the challenges ahead in this 2026 edition.
“We will do everything to win, but we will forget what happened in 2002. We are in 2026.”
With this statement, the Senegalese captain sends a clear message. Senegal will approach this match with ambition and determination, but without hiding behind memories of the past. The goal is to create a new chapter in Senegalese football history rather than trying to replicate exactly what their predecessors achieved.
The Lions’ group also includes Iraq and Norway, two opponents who will have their say in the race for the knockout stage. That’s why Koulibaly refuses to reduce the entire competition to just this clash against the French. Sure, it’s a prestigious match that will capture global attention, but success in such a demanding tournament relies on consistency across all matches.
However, the Senegalese defender acknowledges the importance of making a strong start in the competition. A victory in the opening match could provide a significant psychological advantage and allow the Lions to approach the rest of the tournament with more confidence. But he also reminds everyone that the World Cup is a marathon, and a good result on the first day guarantees nothing for what comes next.
“We know it will be a very important match against France in the opener. We always want to start competitions well, and that comes through victories. It will be a match against one of the best teams in the world, and it will be watched closely. We shouldn’t sum up this World Cup to just the match against France.”
Through these words, Kalidou Koulibaly shows a measured yet confident ambition. Senegal wants to make a strong statement right from the start against France, while keeping in mind that the real mission is to make a deep run in the 2026 World Cup. This pragmatic approach reflects the maturity of a group determined to write its own story on the global stage.
