DAKAR, SENEGAL – The national football team of Senegal, the Lions of Teranga, had an official send-off at the Republic Palace in Dakar on Tuesday. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially handed over the national flag to the national team before the team departed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
“You will not go to this World Cup to only fill space,” Faye said in his opening address to the national team members. “You will go to that tournament because now, Senegal has earned a place among those nations who are recognised in the world of football. This is not a place given to you, but won through effort and dedication.”
Faye, speaking about the achievements of countries in the region, cited Morocco’s success, noting its run to the semi-finals in 2022. “This achievement opened up a new way. It shows that the ceiling which people thought would stay closed over African teams can actually be broken.”
Receiving the flag on behalf of the team, the captain Kalidou Koulibaly committed to give his all. “We will give our skin on the field, and we will show our actions that will make the lion roar. We will give everything for you,” Koulibaly said.
The 48-team format of the championship, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, gives more opportunities for Africa to be represented on the international level. With players like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly in their ranks, Senegal is one of Africa’s main contenders.
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