Sadio Mané leads Senegal against France at World Cup

France open the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Senegal on Tuesday night at MetLife Stadium, mirroring their 2022 opening clash. Sadio Mané, now 34, leads Senegal from a more central position after his pace at Liverpool declined, and he remains the team's emotional barometer. Mané, a Champions League winner with Liverpool, has been with Al-Nassr since 2023 and views the tournament as his final opportunity to guide an African nation deep into the competition. Moussa Niakhaté, capped for Senegal since 2022 after his spell at Nottingham Forest, provides the defensive intelligence that underpins the side, covering for marauding full‑backs and offering composure in possession. His partnership with Pape Thiaw allows the attacking talent to operate freely, while Kalidou Koulibaly anchors the back line. Omar Kane and Luke Entwistle note the importance of these players for Senegal's strategy.