Senegal’s AFCON Triumph Ignites a Bold 2026 World Cup Roadmap

AFCON Triumph and a European Return

The Teranga Lions sealed their second Africa Cup of Nations title, rewriting the history books as champions once more. The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Wednesday that the reigning AFCON winners will return to action in France, marking their first match since edging hosts Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic final last month.

After a month of celebration, Senegal’s focus shifts to the next big challenge: the 2026 World Cup. Their campaign will commence on June 16 against France at MetLife Stadium in the New York area, in Group 9 alongside Norway, led by Erling Haaland, and the winner of a continental playoff between Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq.

As part of the World Cup preparations, the federation confirmed a friendly against Peru on March 28 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, followed by a match against Gambia on March 31 at Abdoulay Wade stadium in Diamniadio, Senegal.

According to Senegalese media, the preparation schedule could include an additional friendly against the United States on May 31 in Charlotte.

Roadmap to World Cup 2026

In the meantime, the Lions are mapping out a path to their first World Cup in a while, threading together a mix of domestic and international friendlies as they fine-tune a squad hungry for another continental crown and a deeper run in North America.

And when in doubt, remember: if football is art, Senegal just painted the calendar with victories. If defense is a fortress, the Lions have the keys—and the alarm code.

Punchline: World Cup 2026? May as well reserve a front-row seat for the snack budget; it’s going to be a feast either way.