The start of the 2026 World Cup for Kalidou Koulibaly raises many questions. As the leader of the Senegalese defense and captain of the Lions, the 35-year-old is going through a tough time when his team needs his experience the most. After losses to France and Norway, several analysts have pointed out Senegal’s defensive struggles, with Koulibaly’s name coming up frequently in discussions. As the Lions fight for their survival in the tournament, the performances of the central defender are now at the center of the debate.
Against Norway, Senegal once again showed signs of defensive fragility. Despite some encouraging offensive moments, Pape Thiaw’s men conceded three goals, significantly complicating their chances of qualification. In this context, several key players are facing criticism, but it’s mainly Kalidou Koulibaly who is in the spotlight. His usual influence in defensive organization seems diminished, and certain sequences of play have raised questions about his current form.
Xavier Barret, a consultant for Radio Foot Internationale and France 24, did not hold back when evaluating the Senegalese captain’s performances since the start of the tournament. For the journalist, the defender has not shown the level expected from such an experienced player.
He believes the difficulties seen against France were confirmed in the match against Norway, to the point where the coach had to make a bold decision during the game. “Kalidou Koulibaly, it’s really complicated. He was already quite mediocre against France, and it was so obvious that Pape Thiaw ended up taking him off, even though he’s the captain,” Xavier Barret stated.
The consultant thinks this drop in form is not a coincidence. He points out several factors that explain the Senegalese defender’s current struggles. His recent tough season in Saudi Arabia, combined with physical issues over the past few months, has likely affected his competitive rhythm. These elements could explain why Koulibaly is struggling to regain the authority and impact that once made him one of the best defenders in Africa. “Everyone has realized that Kalidou Koulibaly, who had a tough season in Saudi Arabia and has been injured, is not in the rhythm,” the consultant added.
Xavier Barret also believes the Senegalese coaching staff could have anticipated this situation better. He argues that being captain shouldn’t prevent tough decisions when the collective interest is at stake. The consultant feels Pape Thiaw should have considered adjustments earlier to maintain his team’s defensive balance. “A coach must be able, at some point, to tell his captain — especially since he’s a nice guy — that they need to organize differently. He did it a bit too late,” he analyzed.
🇸🇳🗣️ “At fault on five of the six goals conceded,” Kalidou Koulibaly named the number one culprit in Senegal’s disappointment.https://t.co/fqWtDgEdRb
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) June 23, 2026
Despite these criticisms and a complicated situation, Senegal is not yet eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. The Lions still have a chance to qualify before their final group match against Iraq. To keep their hopes alive, Koulibaly and his teammates need not only to win but to secure the largest victory possible to position themselves favorably in the race for the best third-placed teams. Beyond the result, Senegalese fans are also expecting a reaction from their key players, starting with their captain, whose experience could still be crucial in this pivotal moment.
