For the 2026 World Cup draw, Senegal finds itself in the same group as France and Norway. A match with a sense of déjà vu, twenty-four years after the historic feat of 2002, when the Lions of Teranga defeated the reigning world champions, France, in the opening match. A report from Dakar, where six Senegalese share their feelings, a mix of pride, optimism, and caution.

The sun was slowly setting over Dakar when the announcement broke: Senegal would face France and Norway in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. In the capital, the news spread instantly between cell phones, cafes, taxis, and shops. The memory of the opening match of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea resurfaced everywhere. On that day, Senegal, led by Bruno Metsu, had defeated the reigning world champions, France, 1-0, thanks to a goal by Papa Bouba Diop.

A seminal achievement, which remains etched in collective memory

Today, Senegalese people are torn between confidence and realism. For Aïssatou, 28, an entrepreneur: “It’s a sign of destiny, France again! I swear, when I heard the draw, I got goosebumps. It’s like a movie: France again, another World Cup, another chance to pull off an upset. 2002 is my whole childhood. If we play without inhibition, we can do it again.”

Mamadou, 45, a taxi driver, believes that "France must be respected, but they must respect us too." In 2002, nobody believed it was possible, and we surprised the world. This time, France knows us. We have Sadio Mané, we have a solid team. But be careful, Norway is tough too. The group is tricky." Fatou, 19, a student, is adamant: "We're not afraid, it's a great match! Honestly, I can't wait! France is serious, but so are we. And the atmosphere around a France-Senegal match is incredible. We're going to show them that Senegal has grown."

Donald Trump, FIFA Peace Prize

Ousmane, 62, a retiree, remembers: “I lived through 2002… you never forget it. I remember Papa Bouba Diop dancing around the corner flag… It was magical. We’ll never see that moment again. But football is full of surprises. With discipline and courage, anything is possible.” Khadim, 33, a street vendor, says: “For me, it’s simple: we’re out of the group. France? Fine. Norway? Okay. But we have an incredible generation. We have to aim for the round of 16. We have to stop underestimating ourselves. The Lions are serious business.”

Mariama, 51, a teacher, takes a more measured view. "Emotion is all well and good, but football is about hard work," she says. "I'm proud to see Senegal in such a tough group. But I don't want us to rest on our laurels from 2002. France has changed, football has changed. We'll need to be organized and mentally strong." A symbolic draw under the shadow of Trump and the FIFA Peace Prize. It's worth noting that the draw is taking place in Washington in the presence of Donald Trump, recently awarded the very first FIFA Peace Prize, a controversial distinction that has already sparked considerable debate in the world of sports.

But for the Senegalese, the main focus is elsewhere: the match against France, already touted as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the first round. Senegal knows it no longer plays the role of underdog from 2002. Yet, the spirit of that World Cup still lingers throughout the country.