Senegal – Belgium: Édouard Mendy ruled out

Senegal will have to do without their usual last line of defense for their round of 16 match in the 2026 World Cup against Belgium scheduled for this Wednesday. Present at a press conference, coach Pape Thiaw officially confirmed Édouard Mendy’s absence due to a left knee injury. The starting goalkeeper of the Lions of Teranga is thus forced to withdraw from this knockout match. This is a significant absence for a Senegalese team that is preparing to challenge the Red Devils of Rudi Garcia.

However, the Senegalese coach wanted to reassure everyone about the mindset of his group, assuring that Mendy would remain alongside his teammates despite his unavailability. “We will not have Édouard Mendy. Even if he is not fit to play tomorrow, he will be by our side. We hope to win so that he can join us for the rest of the competition,” explained Pape Thiaw.

The coach also confirmed Mory Diaw’s starting position in goal. Having delivered a convincing performance in his last appearance, the goalkeeper of Havre Athletic Club will have the heavy task of maintaining the defensive balance of the Lions of Teranga in this high-stakes clash. “Mory had an excellent match with a clean sheet. We hope he does the same tomorrow,” added the Senegalese coach. Against an ambitious and offensive Belgian side, Senegal will need to rely on the solidity of their substitute to hope to continue their journey in this 2026 World Cup.