The Senegalese national team returned to training on Thursday after a day off to continue their preparation for their second match in Group I of the 2026 World Cup. Senegal will face Norway on Monday night at midnight, a crucial match for their journey in the tournament. The coaching staff is ramping up tactical and physical work to address the shortcomings observed in their first outing and to optimize collective understanding.
The session was partially closed to the public. The media could only access the first fifteen minutes before the rest of the training was kept under wraps. Twenty-five players were present on the pitch, but one absence quickly caught attention: goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The coaching staff provided no official explanation regarding this situation, leaving some uncertainty around his participation in the upcoming sessions and the immediate preparation of the group.
The Al Ahly keeper was in goal during Senegal’s defeat to France (3-1) in their opening match.
Despite the negative result, Édouard Mendy made several crucial saves, preventing a heavier scoreline against a particularly effective French attack. His experience and leadership remain major assets for the team, especially when every detail can weigh heavily in the group stage.
Additionally, two players have left the squad. Defender Moustapha Mbow, initially included in the roster, has been removed from the final selection. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Pape Mamadou Sy, who plays for Metz, is no longer part of the group and has been asked to leave the training camp. These adjustments reflect a gradual reorganization of the squad based on the coaching staff’s needs and the tactical choices made throughout the competition.
World Cup 2026: Édouard Mendy absent from training, Mbow and Sy leave the camp https://t.co/iesbaISotV pic.twitter.com/NOh4q1prfb
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After the opening defeat against France, the Senegalese team must react quickly. The match against Norway is a pivotal moment in Group I, amidst fierce competition in the pool. A victory would reignite their momentum and keep their qualification hopes alive. The staff emphasizes concentration, defensive discipline, and offensive efficiency to approach this encounter with more control and confidence.
