World Cup: Senegal plan international friendly against Russia or Iran

The Senegal Football Federation is planning to play a key international friendly as a preparatory exercise for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Wednesday’s edition of the Record newspaper, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has mandated matchmakers Safwen Aidi and Moez Brahmi who are representatives of the FIFA-accredited agency Sportege, to negotiate the organization of an international friendly match against either Russia or Iran.

Just one opponent, the United State of America has been confirmed to play the African champions with the game scheduled for May 31, 2026, at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, just a few days before the start of the tournament.

Sportege has also received a non-exclusive right to organize another friendly match in Dakar during the same FIFA international window in March 2026.

This initiative aims to fill out the national team’s schedule and best prepare the Lions for their upcoming global adventure.

The Teranga Lions, who pipped hosts Morocco 1-0 courtesy Pape Gueye’s late strike to win their second Africa Cup of Nations, have been paired in Group I against France, Norway and one opponent from the inter-confederation play-offs for the World Cup to be co-hosted between Canada, USA and Mexico.

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