Ten reasons for Senegal to remain optimistic after disappointment

On Wednesday evening, Senegal experienced the greatest trauma in its World Cup history. Even crueler than their yellow card elimination during the 2018 World Cup. This comeback against Belgium (2-3) will go down in history as one of the most painful episodes an African nation has ever experienced during a World Cup. But amid this gloom, the land of Teranga can still look to the future with optimism. Nearly 48 hours after the Seattle miss, while criticism and ridicule continue, we try to find ten reasons for consolation for the supporters and followers of Senegalese football.


• In "only" 352 days, Senegal will have the chance to wipe away this disappointment by winning the 2027 African Cup of Nations. Kick-off on June 19, 2027!
• Senegal had staged a comeback (3-2) against DR Congo to qualify for the World Cup. Ten months later, the Lions were victims of the opposite scenario (2-3): a comeback they underwent against Belgium, with three goals scored by players of Congolese origin, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans. That's sport too!
• Senegal became the first African nation to score ten goals in a single World Cup.
• Ismaïla Sarr is now the second highest African goalscorer in World Cup history (5 goals).
• Ibrahim Mbaye can call himself the youngest African goalscorer in the history of the World Cup and the fourth youngest goalscorer of all nationalities combined (18 years and 143 days).
• Senegal recorded the biggest victory in World Cup history with its 5-0 victory over Iraq.
• After narrowly avoiding elimination in the first round, Senegal now has three qualifiers for the knockout stages in four World Cups.
• In the weeks or months after the World Cup, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) could potentially restore Senegal's status as African champions.
• Long hesitant to hand over the team to the new generation, Senegal will finally be able to accelerate its transition. Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), Assane Diao (Como), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern)... The next generation is already here!
• This is also one of the striking images of the tournament. This group of Senegalese supporters gave us one of the best moments of fair play during the World Cup by participating in the Viking Row with the Norwegian fans, despite their defeat against the Scandinavians.

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