Koulibaly says Senegal are confident about World Cup and aiming to match historic 2002 side
The competition will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 and will be co-hosted by sixteen cities. Eleven of these are in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
This will be the first FIFA World Cup staged by three different nations and the first to feature 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32.
Senegal have taken part in four FIFA World Cups (2002, 2018, 2022 and 2026). Over 12 matches, their overall record stands at five wins, three draws and four defeats, with 16 goals scored and 17 conceded.
Their finest achievement came in 2002 when they reached the quarter finals. They progressed beyond the group stage for only the second time in their history but were knocked out in the Round of 16 by England.
Pape Thiaw’s side went through qualifying unbeaten, securing top spot in Group B of the African preliminaries. They beat Mauritania 4-0 in their final match on 14 October to finish ahead of Congo DR.
The two point gap between the teams was the result of a 3-2 Senegal victory in Congo the previous month.
Senegal captain Koulibaly is already full of confidence as they prepare for their opening group match against France.
Senegal is ready to succeed
“When you have a squad of that quality with gifted players who have won the UEFA Champions League and are leading scorers at their clubs… even at European level it is hard to find a way to get a result against them,” the former Chelsea defender told FIFA.com.
“But we will do everything we can to succeed because representing our country means everything to us. And when you put on that Senegal shirt, it gives you something extra and makes you want to perform at your best. That is the mentality we will take into these matches.”
This will be the second time Senegal have faced France in the group stage of the World Cup. In their debut campaign in 2002, the West Africans stunned the then defending champions 1-0 in the opening match.
They progressed to the knockout stage unbeaten and made the quarter finals, becoming only the second African nation to achieve that feat.
Senegal want to match class of 2002
Reflecting on the victory against France, Koulibaly said: “I remember this match like it was yesterday… I was 11 years old at the time and I even remember which classes I was in when I watched the game!
“It was pure joy when Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop scored after the cut back from the great El Hadji Diouf. It was a truly special moment – the goal itself, the joy it sparked among the fans and, of course, the dance celebration.”
The 34 year old, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, continued: “I still remember copying the dance with all my friends as a child.
“These moments really strengthened our connection with our country and made us believe that Senegal could go far in major tournaments. I think it is still an inspiration for us all today.
“All the players of my generation know about the class of 2002 and, while today’s youngsters might not be so familiar with them, we want to match their performance, if not improve on it.”
On being a role model for Senegal, he said: “I see it as our duty to set an example, both on and off the pitch. After all, Senegalese people are known for their humility. We are not there to show off – we are there to show what we can do on the pitch.
“We have a core of experienced players to set an example. When you see Sadio Mane who is first in the gym, or Edouard Mendy who speaks so well in front of the group … and Idrissa Gana Gueye who, despite his age (36), covers more ground than some of the younger players, it sets a great example for the rest of the group.
“This is the mentality that has enabled us to win titles in the past.”
Senegal will begin their campaign against Les Bleus on 16 June at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, take on Norway on 22 June, and then finish their group matches against Iraq.