With just days to go before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, the atmosphere is building within the Senegalese national team. The Lions of Teranga are fine-tuning their preparations in the United States with a clear goal: to make history in this new edition of the World Cup. Captain and leader of the group, Kalidou Koulibaly, took the opportunity during his appearance on the show After Foot on RMC to express his team’s ambitions and send a strong message to all their supporters.
Speaking at a media conference while Senegal continues its training camp, the Al-Hilal defender emphasized the confidence that exists within the group led by Pape Thiaw. Drawing on his experience from previous international competitions, Koulibaly believes the Lions now have the qualities needed to compete with the best nations on the planet.
Senegal will approach this World Cup with the ambition to confirm its status as a powerhouse in African football. After several notable appearances on the world stage and a historic triumph at AFCON 2022, the Lions want to take their game to the next level. The stated goal is to surpass their previous performances and establish themselves among the great nations of international football.
Koulibaly did not hide his aspirations when discussing the expectations of the Senegalese team. The Lions’ captain delivered an ambitious message while reminding everyone of the importance of staying focused and disciplined throughout the tournament.
“Senegal is the best team in the world,” he declared. “We hope to reach at least the quarter-finals, that’s our first goal. After that, we all have a dream in our minds. It’s a World Cup, we know it will be very difficult, but we also know we have the talent, quality, humility, and professionalism to go as far as possible. Our goal is to make Senegalese people dream. We know there are other teams and world-class players. We know it will be very tough. My goal is for Senegal to go as far as possible, and why not go all the way. It starts with playing matches, being humble, enduring, and having a lot of discipline.”
Through this statement, Koulibaly highlights the values that have allowed Senegal to progress in recent years: hard work, unity, and determination. The central defender knows that talent alone won’t be enough to reach the top and stresses the need to maintain great humility in the face of high-level opponents.
The Lions are currently ramping up their preparations in the United States. Before their first match in the tournament, they will play a final friendly against Saudi Arabia. This match will serve as a dress rehearsal and allow the coaching staff to make final adjustments. Driven by their captain’s ambitions and the hopes of an entire nation, the Senegalese approach the 2026 World Cup with the desire to make history and once again thrill their supporters.
