Habib Diallo responds to his exclusion from the 2026 World Cup squad

Diallo, a regular member of the Lions and part of the African championship-winning team, participated in preparatory matches and had been consistently called up in recent years. However, he was not selected for the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In response to questions about his non-selection, the Senegalese international shared a video on social media, displaying a calm and mature attitude.

He stated, "This is football, and you have to be mentally strong," accepting the technical staff's decision philosophically. This message highlights the player's resilience and his determination to continue working despite the disappointment. His absence has drawn significant reactions from Senegalese supporters, with many believing his experience and effectiveness would have been valuable assets for the Lions.