Does Sadio Mané play today? Norway vs Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Sadio Mané plays a central role in Senegal’s attempt to react against Norway this Monday, in the second round of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After the 3-1 defeat to France in the debut, the veteran striker is the Africans’ main hope to add points and keep their chance of qualifying alive.
At 34 years old, Mané is enjoying his fourth World Cup and carries the experience of someone who already took Senegal to the quarter-finals in 2002 and the final of the African Cup. His speed, intelligence and leadership will be fundamental in exploring spaces against the Norwegian defense, especially in counterattacks.
Coach Pape Thiaw should maintain the debut base, with Édouard Mendy in goal; Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté and El Hadji Diouf in defense; Lamine Camara, Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye in the middle; and Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Mané in attack. The connection between Mané and Jackson could be the path to the goal.
On the Norwegian side, confidence is high after the 4-1 defeat of Iraq, with Erling Haaland shining. Ståle Solbakken should repeat the formation with Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe; Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Martin Ødegaard; Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sørloth and Haaland.
The duel takes place at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford (USA), at 9 pm (Brasília time), with Brazilian Wilton Pereira Sampaio refereed. The broadcast will be carried out by GE TV, SporTV and digital platforms.
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Mané, Senegal’s experienced leader
Senegal enters the field under pressure: a defeat practically eliminates the chances of advancement. Mané, captain and top scorer in the history of the national team, knows the importance of the game. Their ability to decide at decisive moments is the Lions of Teranga’s greatest asset against Norwegian favoritism.
Norway eyes consolidation
Solbakken warned about adapting to the American stadium’s pitch, but has confidence in the young and talented squad. Norway, back in the World Cup after 28 years, is looking for six points to secure a place in the round of 16. Haaland and Ødegaard are the main threats, but Senegal is betting on collective strength to neutralize them.
The recent history is limited, but the moment demands a Senegalese reaction. Mané at a high level usually raises the performance of the entire African team.
