FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
Former Liverpool and Senegal striker El Hadji Diouf has been handed a one-year suspended prison sentence following a legal dispute over unpaid child support. The 45-year-old was found guilty of failing to meet financial obligations to his ex-wife, Valerie Bishop, dating back to March 2024.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we follow Senegal's Lions of Teranga across two decades of triumph, turbulence and transformation - from the thunderbolt of 2002, to the cruel fair-play exit of 2018, to the continental rise that brought them back stronger in Qatar.
Pape Gueye has hit back at Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the governing body's decision to strip Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations title. The midfielder insists the squad have no intention of returning their winners' medals while the case is appealed.
Attempts are underway to quell the crisis engulfing El Kan, with club officials working swiftly to contain the fallout and restore stability to the dressing room. The precise nature of the dispute remains unclear, but sources close to the team suggest that competing ambitions, scheduling pressures and the intense media spotlight have created a perfect storm. Supporters, eager for silverware, are watching developments closely, hoping that calm can be restored before Saturday’s crucial fixture. In the short term, coaches are focusing on maintaining morale through daily team-building sessions, while the board pursues talks with key stakeholders to address underlying grievances. Should the current efforts succeed, El Kan could yet salvage its season; failure, however, might trigger a mass exodus of talent and tarnish the club’s hard-earned reputation. For now, the situation remains fluid, underscoring the delicate balance between on-pitch performance and off-pitch politics in modern footba
Al-Hadari heaped praise on the performance of the Black Atlas star, singling out his command on the ball, his incisive runs and his ability to unlock defences with a single pass. The veteran goalkeeper underlined the forward’s maturity, noting that he has grown into a complete player capable of influencing games in multiple ways. Al-Hadari stressed that the 23-year-old’s work-rate and off-the-ball movement create headaches for opposition back lines, and he highlighted the player’s willingness to track back and press as a key factor in the team’s recent defensive solidity. He also pointed out that the star’s confidence is contagious, lifting the entire squad and inspiring younger teammates to aim higher. According to Al-Hadari, the forward’s blend of technical ability and physicality makes him a rare talent, and he expressed confidence that bigger stages await the player in the near future.
Senegalese star suffers fresh setback
The Senegalese star has suffered another setback in his quest to regain full fitness, with the latest scan revealing a minor but frustrating recurrence of the hamstring injury that has already sidelined him for several crucial matches. Club doctors are said to be cautiously optimistic about a swift recovery, yet they insist on strict adherence to the rehabilitation protocol before the player can return to full training. This fresh blow comes at a sensitive time, as both the player and his club had hoped he would be available for selection in the upcoming fixtures against key rivals. His absence not only weakens the team’s attacking options but also raises questions about long-term planning, given his central role in the squad’s tactical setup. Supporters, eager for positive news, will now have to wait patiently while the medical staff monitors his progress day by day.
Senegal
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
