A disagreement between Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly during the 2026 World Cup

The Malang Sarr situation is said to have caused tensions between the two leaders of the Senegal team.

Behind-the-scenes details of Senegal’s 2026 World Cup campaign continue to emerge. According to reports from Foot Mercato, Malang Sarr’s absence is said to have been the cause of a disagreement between Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Sadio Mane is said to have wanted Malang Sarr, who was on the reserve list, to join Pape Thiaw’s squad before the start of the competition. Indeed, the Senegalese striker felt that his captain was not 100 per cent physically ready to start the tournament.

But, Kalidou Koulibaly is said to have opposed this move, which led to tensions arising between the two leaders of the Senegal national team.

This latest revelation comes on top of previous incidents relating to the management of the Senegalese team during the World Cup currently taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.