World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Senegal squad announced with Mané set to face Sudan and DR Congo | OneFootball

Sadio Mané makes his comeback while Moustapha Mbow earns a call-up for these crucial fixtures.

Lions de la Teranga du Sénégal (Photo : @senego)

Senegal is set to play two crucial matches in the coming days that could define their journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Pape Thiaw unveiled his 26-man squad, marking the return of Sadio Mané and the first call-up for defender Moustapha Mbow.

The Lions of Teranga will take on Sudan on September 5 in Diamniadio, followed by a showdown with DR Congo four days later in Kinshasa as part of the 7th and 8th rounds of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. For these pivotal encounters, Pape Thiaw has opted for an experienced squad, largely composed of regulars in the national setup. Yet, the successor to Aliou Cissé has also sprung a few surprises.

The long-awaited return of Sadio Mané

Sadio Mané rejoins the Lions’ den after his notable absence from the previous June camp. The Al Nassr forward, who has started the season in Saudi Arabia in scintillating form, is back in the fold for coach Pape Thiaw. The Senegalese boss is banking on the experience of the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star to steer Senegal through these decisive World Cup qualifiers.

Moustapha Mbow earns his first senior call-up

Paris FC defender Moustapha Mbow is set for his debut with the senior national team. The 25-year-old center-back has earned his maiden selection following an outstanding campaign in France’s Ligue 2. Runner-up in the 2025 Ligue 2 season with Paris FC, he was named Ligue 2 Revelation of the 2024-2025 season.

Full Senegal squad to face Sudan and DR Congo

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdoulaye Seck, Abdou Diallo, Moussa Niakhaté, Ismail Jakobs, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Antoine Mendy, Moustapha Mbow

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, Pathé Ciss, Pape Gueye, Krepin Diatta, Cheikh Niasse, Pape Matar Sarr

Forwards: Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Boulaye Dia, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly