Al‑Nassr forward Sadio Mane has secured a place in Senegal’s 28‑man roster for the 2026 World Cup after missing the Qatar tournament with a knee injury. The 34‑year‑old, who featured in the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final, returns as one of four attackers alongside Bayern’s Nicolas Jackson, Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. His pace and finishing will boost Senegal’s attack.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw also named midfield lynchpin Idrissa Gueye and young talents Habib Diarra and Pape Matar Sarr, while veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly anchors the back line. Goalkeepers Edouard Mendy, Yehvann Diouf and Mory Diaw complete the squad, which must be trimmed to 26 players by 2 June. Their experience in top leagues indeed adds depth.

Senegal open the tournament in New Jersey on 16 June against France, followed by fixtures with Norway and Iraq. The expanded 48‑team format gives the Lions a chance to rewrite the narrative of the 2022 walk‑off, but their success hinges on Mane’s fitness and the cohesion of a largely European‑based lineup. A strong showing could restore pride after the 2022 controversy.