“Reaching the Quarterfinals Is Our Minimum Target” – Kalidou Koulibaly Sets Senegal’s World Cup Ambition

Kalidou Koulibaly has sent a strong message ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring that Senegal are aiming to surpass the achievements of the country's celebrated 2002 generation.

The Teranga Lions captain believes the current squad has what it takes to compete with the world's best and make a deep run in the tournament.

Speaking to AfterRMC, Koulibaly outlined the team's ambitions and made it clear that simply participating will not be enough for Senegal.

"Senegal is the best team in the world today. We want to do better than our predecessors; reaching the quarterfinals is our minimum target," he told AfterRMC.

Senegal's greatest World Cup achievement came in 2002 when they stunned the football world by reaching the quarterfinals in their debut appearance at the tournament. The team famously defeated defending champions France in their opening match before embarking on a historic run.

Senegal will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against France on June 16 at MetLife Stadium. They will then take on Norway before wrapping up their group-stage fixtures against Iraq.