Senegal: Patrick Vieira to unveil his first squad on September 18

The Senegalese Football Federation announced his appointment on August 18, following the end of Pape Thiaw’s tenure. Born in Dakar, the former captain of the French national team is taking charge of a national team for the first time after several coaching stints in clubs across England, France, and Italy.

This initial squad will officially kick off preparations for the upcoming international window. Senegal is set to travel to Mozambique on September 25 and then to Ethiopia on September 29 for the qualifiers of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, followed by a friendly match against Comoros on October 4 in Marseille.

The squad announcement will be particularly scrutinized regarding the goalkeeper position. Édouard Mendy announced on September 13 the end of his international career after 59 caps, leaving Vieira with an important first decision to make regarding the Lions’ hierarchy.

Vieira arrives with extensive experience as a player at the highest level and a coaching career that includes stints at New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Genoa. A 1998 World Cup champion and a 2000 European champion with France, he has played over 100 matches for Les Bleus and captained Arsenal in the Premier League.