A huge replica of the World Cup trophy is seen during the opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)
Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, has described Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup clash between Senegal and France as more than a football match, saying that whichever team wins, “Africa will have beaten Africa.”
Sonko made the remark during an interview with RFI and France 24 in Dakar on Monday while discussing Senegal’s chances against France in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the number of players of African origin in the French squad, Sonko said, “I think Senegal will win. At least, that’s my hope, like every Senegalese person.
“In any case, it’s only a football match. But if you want to look at the match politically, then whoever wins, Africa will have beaten Africa.”
