Senegal at the World Cup
Senegal has participated at the World Cup three times, 2002, 2018 and 2022.
In their first appearance at the World Cup in 2002, Senegal reached the quarter-finals, their best result so far.
Senegal competed for the second time at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In 2018, they finished with a win, draw and loss in their group matches, finishing with the same points and goals as Japan. They were subsequently eliminated following the 'fair play' countback system, which counts the number of yellow cards given.
Senegal qualified for their third FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022. After two wins and a loss, they progressed to the round of 16 knockout stage.
Trivia
- In the World Cup held in Korea/Japan in 2002, Senegal took part in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. The African team of Senegal beat the professional and well paid players in the French team, then went on to draw with Denmark and Uruguay to make the next round.
- In the lead-up to 2002 World Cup finals, Senegalese midfielder Khalilou Fadiga was accused of stealing a necklace from a jewelry shop in Korea. Fortunately, Fadiga was released without any charge. The Korean police dropped charges at the request of the shop owner. The necklace, worth US$240, was later displayed in the shop window and called 'Fadiga's necklace'. Fadiga played in the opening match of the 2002 finals five days after the incident.
- Before returning home after the 2002 finals, the Senegalese team visited Taiwan, for diplomatic reasons. Senegal is one of the 28 countries in the world which recognize Taiwan as a nation. During a red-carpet reception at the Taiwanese president's office, some players wore shorts and sandals. A scheduled friendly match between these two nations was canceled because many Senegalese players did not want to play. Thirty-seven call girls were said to have entered the players' hotel rooms during their two-day visit.
- In 2018, Senegal became the first team to be eliminated by the fair play rule at the World cup.
Related Pages
- List of all countries who have participated in the World Cup
- FIFA World Cup Home
- About Sport in Senegal
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