‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ Keïta Balde reignites the flame for Senegal's national team

Keïta Balde has not yet had his final say with Senegal's national team.

The 30-year-old striker, who currently plays for AC Monza in Italy, confirmed in the ‘Post United’ podcast that he recently spoke with coach Pape Thiaw. The discussion has reignited hopes of a return to the Lions' den.

‘I spoke with the national coach. He came to Milan to see me. We talked in person, but I am still in contact with him,’ said the Senegalese player, who has 40 caps.

Given his current form and his experience with the Senegal national team, Balde believes he is part of the plans for the 2026 World Cup. ‘Given my current form and my significant history with the national team, I am part of the plans,’ he said.

Keïta Balde has acknowledged the competition for his position in the national team. But despite this, he insists he is highly motivated.

"I will give my best because I want to go to the World Cup. That's the goal I've set myself. I've been away from the national team for a while and I want to get back in. I want to come back and relive the national team experience. I love it, it's what has given me the most on a personal and professional level, joy and love."

Keïta Balde is the 2021 African champion with Senegal. He participated in the 2018 World Cup before missing out on the 2022 edition.