World Cup: Ilay Camara targets first competitive tournament with Senegal

Anderlecht defender Ilay Camara is targeting his first competitive tournament with the Senegal senior team when they compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The right-back, who was forced to withdraw from the squad just before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, told the Belgian press that he believes he has a chance of experiencing his first international competition with the Lions of Teranga, particularly the World Cup this summer.

The 23-year-old who has regained his form, is determined to make coach Pape Thiaw’s squad for the 2026 finals to be co-hosted in Mexico, Canada and USA between June 11 – July 19.

“This dream is far from futile,” he told La Dernière Heure. “I’ve had this image as my wallpaper for three years, well before my first call-up. And, coincidentally, we’re playing against France and Norway.”

With the competition for his position keenly contested by Krepin Diatta and Antoine Mendy, Camara is counting on his qualities to convince coach Pape Thiaw once again.

“One of my strengths is my physical freshness. I’m still young and I want to prove myself,” he stated.

Born in Belgium, the one-time capped Teranga Lion represented the European country at the U-15 and the U-16 level before deciding to play for the country his father is from.

Lion de la Téranga. 🇸🇳 90 minutes de jeu pour Ilay avec le Sénégal. 💜 pic.twitter.com/jfWlAjLPS0

— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) November 19, 2025

For Anderlecht this season, Camara has made an impressive 19 appearances with a goal and one assist for Anderlecht.

Senegal are paired in Group I alongside former world champions France, Norway and Iraq.