Senegal and Ivory Coast boost World Cup hopes with strong performances

Senegal enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup with high confidence, relying on a squad that includes Premier League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 players. The team, fresh from winning the Africa Cup of Nations before the title was revoked, aims to reach at least the round of 16, the only African side with a winning record at past tournaments.

In a friendly on June 4, Ivory Coast defeated France 2‑1 in Nantes. Goals from Guéla Doué and Amad Diallo, assisted by Nicolas Pépé, gave the African side a morale‑boosting win over a tournament favourite. Coach Emerse Faé praised the performance, while France, coached by Didier Deschamps, must address defensive lapses before its final preparatory match against Northern Ireland.