This important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Togo and Senegal at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade seeks a vital win from both squads. The historical record between these two teams indicates that Togo could pose serious challenges to their favored opponent Senegal.
Match Preview
Senegal arrives for this World Cup qualifying match without any losses yet they have drawn three times from five fixtures after their latest 3-2 victory versus Sudan. The Teranga Lions secured third position in Group B since they had two fewer points than both leaders Sudan and runner-up DR Congo. The automatic qualification spot in the World Cup depends on the top team position which requires Senegal to win every remaining match to advance.
The new coach Pape Thiaw took over Senegal’s World Cup qualification from Aliou Cissé during December 2024. The manager keeps his sights on scoring his initial victory after his debut game brought Senegal a goalless draw against Sudan. He needs this first triumph to start improving the campaign results.
Togo continues to stay without a victory through all games in their current qualifying cycle. After their four draws the Sparrowhawks dropped their first match in the qualifying phase when they drew Mauritania 2-2. The probability of Togo returning to the World Cup for a second time after their 2006 appearance grows weaker with each passing match. The record shows that refreshing memories of previous encounters with Senegal reveals this opposition has proven challenging for the Girders.
Head-to-Head Record
- Last meeting: 0-0 draw
- Last five meetings: Senegal 1 win, Togo 1 win, 3 draws
- Both teams have only won their respective home fixtures in World Cup qualifiers.
Team News
Senegal
During their last match Pape Thiaw started Antoine Mendy and then brought Assane Diao as a substitute in his first international experience. After healing from a thigh ailment Sadio Mané returned to his position as first-team starter.
Due to his February hamstring injury Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson cannot play in the upcoming matches.
Togo
In their upcoming match Togo plans to start the scorers Thibault Klidje and Kevin Denkey who jointly achieved two goals against Mauritania. Denkey achieved his seventh-place position among Togo's top scorers through his goal against Mauritania.
Goalkeeper Malcolm Barcola takes the position again while defense will depend on three players to maintain their stability.
Possible Lineups
Senegal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Mendy
DEF: Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Mendy
MID: Gueye, Gueye
ATT: Mané, Camara, Sarr
ST: Dia
Togo (5-3-2)
GK: Barcola
DEF: Boma, Boateng, Djene, Atte, Homawoo
MID: Agbagno, Karim, Annor
ATT: Klidje, Denkey
Prediction
Senegal possess a strong case as tournament favorites because they have secured 14 victories in their recent 20 games and Togo have not managed to secure a win in any of their last five competitions. The team from Senegal displayed defensive strength through their four clean sheets during their last five matches.
Senegal should win this tight competition based on their superior quality.
Prediction: Senegal 2-0 Togo