The draw for the 23rd edition of the 2026 World Cup, held this Friday in the United States, has presented Senegal with a significant challenge. The Lions have been drawn into a particularly tough group, composed of France, Norway, and the winner of the intercontinental playoff between Iraq, Bolivia, and Suriname.

While Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname remain unknown adversaries, France and Norway represent two of the most formidable attacking forces in world football, with the two best strikers in the world: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.

France-Senegal: A reunion heavy with symbolism

More than twenty years after the historic feat of 2002, when the Lions defeated reigning world champions France, the two nations meet again on the biggest stage in world football. This match transcends mere sporting significance, given the strong cultural, social, and human ties between the two countries.

The Senegalese national team does indeed include many players born in France or trained in French leagues. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly is a prime example: a former French international, he played in the 2011 U20 World Cup. He will approach this match with a particular emotional weight, as will several of his teammates.

On the French side, the team arrives with the undisputed status of overwhelming favorite. Two-time world champions (1998, 2018) and last year's finalists, France boasts a golden generation led by Kylian Mbappé, considered the best player in the world right now. A huge challenge for Senegal, but also a source of motivation: the desire to repeat the feat of 2002 will be on everyone's mind.

Haaland's Norway, a rising star  

The other giant in the group is Norway. After an absence of nearly 30 years from the World Cup, the Nordic team returns with ambition and confidence. Led by Erling Haaland, one of the most prolific strikers on the planet, but also by Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, and Oscar Bobb, Norway is a dangerous team at every level.

Their qualifying campaign speaks volumes: eight wins in eight matches, 37 goals scored and only 5 conceded, including two victories against Italy. This attacking powerhouse arrives at the World Cup with the clear objective of making a lasting impression.

For the Lions, this confrontation looks set to be one of the most complex in the group.

Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname: an unknown factor not to be overlooked

  The final spot in the group will be contested between Iraq, Bolivia, and Suriname. Iraq (World Cup 1986) and Bolivia (World Cup 1994) already have World Cup experience, unlike Suriname, which has never participated in the tournament.

However, the Surinamese team could spring a surprise. With a talented diaspora playing particularly in the Netherlands, they have the resources to upset the odds in the intercontinental playoff.

Between France, one of the best nations in the world, and Norway, boasting some of the most feared strikers on the planet, Senegal will need to demonstrate discipline, ambition, and audacity. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a crucial tournament for the generation of Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Édouard Mendy, who dream of writing another golden chapter in the history of Senegalese football before passing the torch to the next generation already emerging.