Alain Giresse, the former coach of Senegal’s national team, has expressed confidence that the Teranga Lions have what it takes to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking in an interview with Wiw Sport, the French tactician pointed to the team’s inherent talent and growing competitiveness on the global stage.
Giresse noted that African football is evolving, with teams like Senegal showing they can compete with the world’s best. He recalled that Morocco made history in 2022 by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, and he believes Senegal can follow suit.
“I think one day an African country will play in the final. When it comes to Senegal, they have the potential to at least reach the semifinals,” Giresse said. He acknowledged that unexpected events can occur in matches, but stressed that the squad’s intrinsic quality is undeniable. “We see that African teams are increasingly displaying a level that is approaching the top rankings in the world,” he added.
Senegal has been drawn into Group I for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Norway, Iraq, and France. The group presents a tough challenge, but Giresse believes the team can overcome it and make a deep run in the tournament.