18
FIFA Ranking
1
Finals
2018
Last World Cup
2002 (7th)
Best Performance
Senegal qualified for only their third ever World Cup thanks to a penalty shootout win over Egypt in the third round of qualifying after drawing 1-1 on aggregate. In their first ever appearance at the tournament, Senegal stunned defending champions France on the opening day, and made it through to the quarter finals where they were eventually knocked out by Turkey in extra time. Four years ago, Senegal failed to make it out of the group stages and became the first side ever to not progress through the ‘Fair Play Points’ rule, due to the fact they received more yellow cards than Japan. Senegal are fresh from winning the African Cup of Nations earlier this year when they defeated Egypt on penalties following a goalless draw.
Player to Watch
The 2019 and 2022 African Footballer of the Year moved to Bayern Munich in the summer after a hugely successful 6 year stint with Liverpool during which he won every domestic trophy as well as the UEFA Champions League, and he is the nation’s all time record goalscorer already at the age of 30. Mane, who scored the decisive penalties in both crucial matches over Egypt earlier this year, will be the main attacking outlet this winter for the current champions of Africa.
Squad List