Nampalys Mendy aims to play in the 2026 World Cup with Senegal

Having been left out of Pape Thiaw’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegalese international midfielder is determined to take part in the World Cup with the Lions of Teranga.

Nampalys Mendy insists he is doing his best to be called up to the Senegal national team for the World Cup scheduled for next summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 2021 African champion regrets missing the Africa Cup of Nations, which took place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. But that episode is behind him and the Watford defender wants to rejoin the Lions of Teranga squad. He is, however, aware that the decision rests with Pape Thiaw.

The World Cup is always a dream. I’m doing everything I can on my end to be there. It’s a clear objective. The choice will be up to the manager, but he knows he can count on me. It hurt me deeply to have missed out on that (2025 Africa Cup of Nations). It killed me. That’s fate. It cost me dearly; I’m angry with it, but I’m moving on.