馃嚫馃嚦SenegalWest Africa
Khalilou Fadiga secures FIFA World Cup 2026 invitation for Papa Bouba Diop's family
via SeneNews1 min read
Former Senegalese international Khalilou Fadiga, a FIFA Legend, has arranged for the family of his late teammate Papa Bouba Diop to receive an official invitation to attend events related to the 2026 World Cup. The invitation, extended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Gelson Fernandes, Deputy Director of Member Associations, is for Papa Bouba Diop's wife, Marie-Aude Diop, and their two children, Aaron Seyni Diop and Ava Diop. This gesture honors Papa Bouba Diop, who scored Senegal's first World Cup goal on May 31, 2002, securing a historic 1-0 victory against then-world champions France in the opening match. Fadiga, currently an advisor to the President of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Fall, utilized his FIFA connections to ensure his former partner's legacy is celebrated. Papa Bouba Diop passed away on November 29, 2020, at the age of 42 due to Charcot's disease, and remains a significant figure in Senegalese football history. His 2002 goal against France is an iconic moment in Senegalese and African sports.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadSenegal's national coach, Pape Thiaw, acknowledged that his team has not yet reached its full potential during preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The Lions of Teranga experienced mixed results in their warm-up matches, including a 3-2 loss to the United States and a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. Thiaw stated that these results do not reflect the true level of his squad. He explained that the team seen in the Africa Cup of Nations was different from the one in the two preparatory matches, and friendly games are for preparation, especially for players who lacked playing time. Despite the mixed preparation, the coach remains confident ahead of the match against France, expecting a strong reaction from his players as they begin the competition. Thiaw affirmed, "Tomorrow, I think we will see the true version of Senegal." Senegal is scheduled to face France this Tuesday at 7:00 PM GMT in their opening match of the tournament, a highly anticipated fixture in Group I of the 2026 World Cup.
Must ReadSenegal's national coach, Pape Thiaw, reflected on the symbolic significance of the upcoming match against France in the 2026 World Cup, nearly 24 years after the Lions' 2002 achievement. Thiaw, who was not able to play in the 2002 match, stated he will now experience it from the bench. He indicated that he would draw inspiration from the approach of former Senegal coach Bruno Metsu, who led the Lions to the quarterfinals in 2002. Thiaw hopes to find the right words and elements to guide Senegal to victory. This highly anticipated match against France, scheduled for Tuesday, is a major fixture in Group I's first round and marks a reunion between the two nations since Senegal's famous victory in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.
Must ReadSenegal's national coach, Pape Thiaw, announced that his entire squad is available for their opening match against France in the 2026 World Cup. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Thiaw confirmed that no players are unavailable for the highly anticipated Group I fixture. This news is positive for the Lions of Teranga, ensuring they can field their strongest team for their first game of the tournament against Les Bleus on Tuesday.