Talented Assane Diao among six new Senegal players for World Cup qualifiers
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has introduced six new players in his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sudan on March 22 and Togo on March 25.
Among the fresh faces are Assane Diao (Como), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Yehvann Diouf (Reims), Ilay Camara (Standard Liège), Cheikh Niasse (Hellas Verona), and Richard Sagna (AS Douanes).
This squad marks the beginning of a new era for the Lions of Teranga, with Thiaw looking to integrate younger talents following injuries and the aging of some key players from the squad that won the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
The biggest talking point in Thiaw’s selection is the inclusion of 19-year-old Assane Diao, who had been at the center of an international tug-of-war between Senegal and Spain.
The young Como winger had initially played for Spain’s youth teams, but after weeks of speculation, he officially committed to Senegal, rejecting Spain’s efforts to retain him.
Diao’s decision follows direct talks with Thiaw, and he is now set to make his senior international debut in these crucial qualifiers.
Another significant arrival is goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf, who has been making waves in Ligue 1 with Reims.
With Edouard Mendy struggling with an adductor injury and Mory Diaw returning after missing the last two camps, Diouf is expected to provide strong competition for the No.1 spot.
Thiaw had also considered other options such as Ngagne Demba Thiam (Juve Stabia) and Bingourou Kamara (Pau FC), but ultimately chose Diouf as the latest addition to Senegal’s goalkeeping ranks.
In addition to Diao and Diouf, Antoine Mendy (Nice), Ilay Camara (Standard Liège), Cheikh Niasse (Hellas Verona), and Richard Sagna (AS Douanes) have all been called up for the first time.
Sagna is the only home-based player in the squad, earning his place after standout performances in Senegal’s domestic league.
Meanwhile, Moussa Ndiaye (Anderlecht) returns to the squad for the first time since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The left-back has yet to make his senior debut for Senegal but could get his chance in these qualifiers. Dion Lopy (Almería) is also back, reinforcing the midfield.
With Senegal currently aiming to secure early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these matches against Sudan and Togo will be crucial in solidifying their position at the top of their group.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Mory Diaw (Rodez), and Yehvann Diouf (Stade de Reims).
Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Abdou Diallo (Al-Arabi), Moussa Niakhate (Olympique Lyonnais), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Moussa Ndiaye (Anderlecht), and Ilay Camara (Standard de Liège).
Midfielders: Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Lamine Camara (AS Monaco), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Krépin Diatta (AS Monaco), Cheikh Niasse (Hellas Verona), and Dion Lopy (Almería).
Strikers: Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), Habib Diallo (Damac FC), Cherif Ndiaye (Red Star Belgrade), Richard Sagna (AS Douanes), Boulaye Dia (Lazio), Assane Diao (Como), and Abdallah Sima (Stade Brestois).