Chelsea's Mamadou Sarr and Nicolas Jackson secure Senegal 2026 World Cup spots

Sarr, 20, has continued his rapid rise after joining Chelsea from Strasbourg last season. He featured in the club's successful FIFA Club World Cup campaign before returning to France on loan, where he gained regular minutes in Ligue 1. 

Recalled to Stamford Bridge in January, the young defender has since added six more appearances for the Blues, including a notable outing in the Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur.

His senior international breakthrough came in November, and he was also part of Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Jackson's selection comes after a season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he has enjoyed a productive campaign. The 24-year-old forward has made 34 appearances for the Bundesliga champions, scoring 11 goals across all competitions. His form has ensured his place in Senegal's attacking options for the tournament.

Senegal's squad features a strong blend of experience and youth. Veteran leaders such as Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly are included, alongside key midfield figures like Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr. In attack, Senegal will also rely on players including Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye.

With a balanced squad across all departments, Senegal head into the World Cup with expectations of another strong international showing, while Chelsea will be encouraged by the recognition of two of their developing talents on the global stage.

Senegal squad for the 2026 World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf, Edouard Mendy

Defenders: Ilay Camara, Krepin Diatta, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismail Jakobs, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moustapha Mbow, Antoine Mendy, Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck

Midfielders: Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, Habib Diarra, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Bara Ndiaye, Pape Matar Sarr

Forwards: Assane Diao, Bamba Dieng, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mane, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr

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