Senegal face France in their opening Group I match at World Cup 2026
Lions of Teranga's 2002 victory over the 1998 champions lives on in the memory
Koulibaly and Mendy spoke exclusively to FIFA about their recollections
A cut-back from El-Hadji Diouf, a finish at the second attempt from Papa Bouba Diop and a celebration that went down in history – the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2002™ in Japan and Korea Republic was one for the ages.
Twenty-four years later, and will meet again at the , reviving memories of that famous night when the African underdogs stunned the reigning world champions 1-0. Today’s players still draw inspiration from the heroic class of 2002, with captain Kalidou Koulibaly saying: “I remember this match like it was yesterday.”
Ahead of their with Les Bleus — runners-up at the last World Cup — FIFA sat down with talismanic defender Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, to discuss their memories of that iconic match. The two players also spoke about the prospect of facing France’s formidable attack, and the importance of being a role model for future generations.
Kalidou Koulibaly: I remember this match like it was yesterday… I was 11 years old at the time and I even remember which classes were there when I watched the game! It was pure joy when Senegal legend Papa Bouba [Diop] scored after the cut-back from the great El-Hadji Diouf. It was a truly special moment – the goal itself, the joy it sparked among the fans and, of course, the dance celebration.
I still remember copying the dance with all my friends as a kid. These moments really strengthened our bond with our country and made us believe that Senegal could go far in major tournaments. I think it’s still an inspiration for us all today. All the players of my generation know about the class of 2002 and, while today’s youngsters might not be so familiar with them, we want to match their performance, if not improve on it.
Edouard Mendy: That match was a truly historic moment for our country, because it was our first ever World Cup victory – and it was over the reigning champions! I remember everything about the game: The excitement in the streets, the pressure we were under every time France launched an attack and the buzz every time Senegal went forward… I have so many memories of that match. Now we have our own match to play, in a new era and a different setting.
Koulibaly: When you have a squad of that calibre with talented players who have won the [UEFA] Champions League and are top scorers at their respective clubs… even at European level it’s hard to find a way to get a result against them. But we will do everything we can to succeed because representing our country means everything to us.
And when you pull on that Senegal shirt it gives you something extra and makes you want to perform at your best. That’s the spirit we’ll be taking into these matches.
Mendy: All of our opponents have quality, especially France, who have outstanding players in every position. That’s why we play football – for the chance to take on the best and test ourselves against the top players on the planet. And now, in our first match at the World Cup, we have the opportunity to do just that. It’s up to us to fulfil our potential and to show what we’re capable of.
Koulibaly: I see it as our duty to set an example, both on and off the pitch. After all, Senegalese people are known for their humility. We’re not there to show off – we are there to show what we can do on the pitch.
We have a core of experienced players to set the example. When you see who is the first in the gym, or Edouard Mendy who speaks so well in front of the group … and Idrissa Gana Gueye who, despite his age [36], covers more ground than some of the younger players, it sets a great example for the rest of the group. This is the mentality that has enabled us to win titles in the past.
Mendy: It’s something that’s very important to me. I try to give a lot back because so much has been given to me. I’m really committed to passing on my experience to help the next generation in Senegal and inspire them to accomplish great things.
Sources: FIFA Official
