Senegal national football team

Senegal is represented internationally by its national football team, coordinated by the Senegalese Football Federation. The team has achieved significant success, winning the African Cup of Nations in 2021 and 2025, as well as silver medalists in 2002 and 2019. In 2002, Senegal reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup, marking a significant milestone in the history of African football.

The Senegalese national team has earned a reputation as one of the leading teams in Africa at the beginning of the 21st century. Despite seven unsuccessful attempts to qualify for the World Cup since participating in the 1970 tournament, the "Lions of Teranga" achieved success for the eighth time, qualifying for the 2002 World Cup. This tournament, held in Japan and South Korea, was a breakthrough for the team. Senegal stunned everyone by defeating reigning world champions France 1-0. They then drew with Denmark (1-1) and Uruguay (3-3), scoring three goals in a row against Uruguay. These results allowed them to advance from the group and face Sweden in the round of 16, where they defeated Sweden 2-1 after extra time.

Senegal's run ended in the quarterfinals with a 0-1 loss to Turkey after extra time. However, their performance equaled Cameroon's African record for reaching the World Cup quarterfinals – but Senegal did so on their first attempt, while Cameroon needed two. Team leader El Hadji Diouf was named to the tournament's All-Star Team, highlighting his outstanding performance at this World Cup.