Senegal’s World Cup campaign is being overshadowed by serious off-field turmoil as the team tries to recover from a 3-1 opening loss to France before a crucial match against Norway. According to a report cited by sportnewsafrica, the problems surrounding the squad could become “ticking time bombs” and disrupt the team’s tournament run.
The most sensitive issue is money. Players have reportedly still not received promised bonuses, even though the Senegalese federation had already collected the large prize money from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the payments tied to World Cup qualification. The report says players are asking where the money went, and that the unpaid rewards are beginning to unsettle the dressing room.
Logistical complaints are also mounting at the team’s U.S. base camp. The hotel selected by management is described as entirely unsuitable for a team of Senegal’s stature, and several players have privately expressed frustration. The report says this stands in stark contrast to the conditions provided in Tangier during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The squad’s food setup has also been downgraded. Senegal’s head chef, who had traveled with the team throughout the Africa Cup of Nations to ensure proper nutrition, was blocked from joining the U.S. trip. As a result, the hotel catering has been described as mediocre, and some players are regularly ordering food from outside to eat properly.
On top of that, the federation is accused of selective austerity. While players face poor support, some federation members reportedly traveled with their families and personal entourages, swelling the delegation’s size and cost. The biggest legal and sporting risk remains coach Pape Thiaw, whose contract has expired and who was said to be five months behind on salary before the team left for the U.S. Despite an intervention by Senegal’s president, the federation is still reportedly refusing to sign a new deal.
