Pape Thiaw announces Senegal's final squad for the 2026 World Cup, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye included
via SeneNews2 min read
National coach Pape Thiaw has unveiled Senegal's final 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup. The announcement included some surprises, notably the exclusions of Moustapha Mbow and Ilay Kamara, who were part of the provisional list. Thiaw made two final selections to meet FIFA requirements, resulting in Mbow and Kamara's departure, while young player Bara Sapoko Ndiaye secured his spot. This decision follows a preparation match against the United States, where Sapoko Ndiaye's performance reportedly impressed the coach, securing his place for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Thiaw's selection aims to balance experience with youth, maintaining the core team from previous competitions while integrating new talent. For Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, this call-up is a significant reward, marking a rapid ascent for the young midfielder. Senegal now focuses on the 2026 World Cup, aiming for a historic performance in their fourth appearance at the finals.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Waly Diouf Bodian has been dismissed from his position as Director General of the National Society of the Autonomous Port of Dakar PAD on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Doune Pathé Mbengue, a civil administrator and principal inspector of Taxes and Estates, has been appointed as the new Director General. Mbengue's appointment was part of new individual measures adopted by the government, following his initial nomination during the Council of Ministers on April 24, 2024, shortly after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye came to power. He officially took office on May 13, 2024, succeeding Mountaga Sy. Waly Diouf Bodian, a long-standing executive and activist of the PASTEF party, was known for his close ties to Ousmane Sonko. His dismissal occurs amidst a tense political climate, marked by Ousmane Sonko's move into the opposition after leaving the Prime Minister's office and his election as head of the National Assembly, where he now exercises increased legislative oversight over the executive. Bodian had recently stated he did not wish to leave his post without prior consultation with his party, and his dismissal is seen as a consequence of his loyalty to the PASTEF leader.
During a Council of Ministers meeting on July 16, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye approved 32 significant appointments within the public administration. These changes span various ministries and institutions, aiming to strengthen governance and optimize public services. Key appointments include Couro Kane as Secretary General of the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority ARTP, El Hadji Allé Birima Fall as Director of Normative Activity, and Doune Pathé Mbengue as Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar National Company. Other notable designations include Mamadou Thiaw as Director General of the National Agency for Maritime Affairs ANAM, Soulèye Kane as Director General of the Vocational Training Financing Fund 3FPT, and Mame Awa Ndoye as Director General of the National Office for Vocational Training ONFP. In the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad, Fatou Gaye Ngom was appointed Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mamadou Ndiaye as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, and Mamadou Ba as Consul General in Bordeaux. The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene saw several changes, including Karamba Diallo as Director General of SEN-National Supply Pharmacy SEN-PNA and numerous regional health director appointments. The Ministry of Mines and Geology also received new leadership, with Cheikh Sadibou Diop as Secretary General and Lamine Diouf as Director General of Mines and Geology.
Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Senegalese international winger, is preparing to depart Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of more playing time. Under contract with PSG until 2028, Mbaye is considered one of African football's top prospects but has faced limited opportunities due to strong offensive competition from players like Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola. His career management has recently been taken over by renowned agent Jorge Mendes, known for orchestrating major European transfers. This development is expected to accelerate discussions with several clubs from the Premier League and Bundesliga that are interested in signing him before the transfer window closes. Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Tottenham are among the English clubs reportedly tracking Mbaye, while Borussia Dortmund in Germany has also shown interest. Mbaye's ambitions are focused on a top-tier league, ruling out a move to Championship club Wolverhampton, despite its historical ties to Mendes. While Paris Saint-Germain is open to retaining the young talent, they would seek a significant financial gain if he departs, valuing him between 40 and 50 million euros, and might include a buy-back clause to maintain future control.