Alain Giresse: Senegal Have the Quality to Reach 2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Like Morocco

Alain Giresse, who previously served as head coach of Senegal, believes the Teranga Lions are capable of reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a feat last achieved by an African nation when Morocco made history at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Speaking to Wiw Sport, the French tactician drew a direct comparison to Morocco’s landmark campaign four years ago, citing it as a benchmark for what African football can now realistically aspire to. “I think that from one World Cup to the next, Africa is moving forward and progressing. It was Morocco that reached the semi-finals in the last edition in Qatar,” Giresse said.

Morocco’s run to the last four at Qatar 2022 remains the greatest achievement by an African side in World Cup history, with the Atlas Lions eliminating Spain and Portugal before falling to eventual runners-up France. No African team had previously advanced beyond the quarter-final stage.

Giresse expressed confidence that Senegal — who enter the tournament as reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions — possess the talent, structural depth, and international experience to challenge for a place among the final four. “I think that one day, an African country will play in the final. If we’re talking about Senegal, it has the potential to at least reach the semi-finals,” he added.

A key factor underpinning his optimism is the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, which for the first time features 48 teams and includes a record ten African nations. Giresse suggested the increased African representation statistically improves the chances of the continent producing another deep run. “With ten qualified countries, the possibility of taking even more nations to the semi-finals exists; we have to take it one step at a time,” he explained.

Senegal’s squad is headlined by Sadio Mané, the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward who is among the highest-profile players at this year’s tournament. The Teranga Lions’ depth across the pitch, combined with their experience of competing at the highest level of club football, makes them one of the more credible African contenders according to Giresse’s assessment.

The wider context adds weight to the former coach’s claims. Senegal have qualified for consecutive World Cups and reached the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022, where they were eliminated by England. Their continental pedigree — having won the 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations — also underscores the squad’s winning mentality at tournament level.

With the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, African nations are competing under heightened scrutiny, and early reports have flagged logistical difficulties for some supporter groups seeking entry into the United States. Despite those off-field complications, attention on the continent’s footballing prospects remains firmly focused on results on the pitch.

Giresse managed Senegal between 2013 and 2015 and has previously coached several African national teams, including Mali and Guinea, giving him a broad perspective on the development of football across the continent. His assessment reflects a broader belief within African football circles that the 2026 edition presents a genuine opportunity for the continent to surpass Morocco’s 2022 milestone.