FIFA Decides Senegal’s 2026 World Cup Fate After AFCON Verdict
- FIFA appears to have taken a decisive stance following CAF’s controversial ruling that stripped Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title
- At the heart of the matter was whether the Teranga Lions would be allowed to add a second star to their 2026 World Cup jersey
- The Senegal FA has shed light on the issue, explaining why the team will feature just one star on their kits for the tournament
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FIFA’s quiet stance on Senegal’s kit for the 2026 World Cup has added a fresh twist to the ongoing AFCON controversy, with the West African side set to wear just one star despite their on-field triumph in January.
The decision follows CAF’s ruling to strip the Teranga Lions of the title and award it to Morocco, a move that continues to stir debate across the football world.
Source: Getty Images
Senegal kit decision reflects AFCON controversy
Traditionally, stars above a national badge represent major tournament wins.
Senegal earned their first after lifting the AFCON in 2021 and appeared set to add a second following their victory in Rabat, sealed by Pape Gueye in extra time.
Watch highlights of the 2025 AFCON final on YouTube:
But that moment has since been overshadowed.
CAF’s Appeal Board overturned the result, citing Articles 82 and 84, and ruled that the Teranga Lions had forfeited the match after their protest on the pitch.
In its statement, CAF said Senegal had been 'declared to have forfeited the final match' with the 'result of the match being recorded as 3-0 in favour' of Morocco.
With FIFA updating its rankings to reflect Morocco as champions, Senegal’s kit supplier Puma has stuck with a single star on the team’s World Cup jersey.
The outcome leaves the Teranga Lions in a symbolic limbo, caught between what was achieved on the pitch and what has been decided in the boardroom.
Below are photos of Senegal's 2026 World Cup kits, as shared on X:
Senegal explains one star on WC jersey
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has moved to clarify the situation, pointing to production timelines rather than recognition issues, as noted by ESPN.
“The FSF informs the public that production of these jerseys began in August 2025 by our kit supplier, Puma, prior to the last Africa Cup of Nations. Following our victory, manufacturing deadlines and industrial constraints prevented us from interrupting this ongoing process.
“Aware of the Senegalese people’s legitimate attachment to their national symbols, the FSF wishes to reassure all supporters: the new jerseys incorporating the second star are currently in production. They are scheduled to be available starting next September.
“The FSF apologises for any misunderstanding this situation may have caused and thanks the supporters for their continued support, vigilance, and unwavering loyalty to the national team.”
Source: Getty Images
Interestingly, Morocco’s own kit for the tournament, also produced by Puma, carries no star despite their 1976 triumph and the newly awarded 2025 title, according to The Athletic.
On the pitch, attention will soon shift back to football.
Senegal has been drawn in a tough group alongside France, Norway, and a winner of the inter-confederation playoff.
Morocco, meanwhile, will face Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland as both nations prepare for a World Cup tournament clouded by controversy.
CAF issues update on Senegal-Morocco controversy
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that CAF had issued an update on the Senegal-Morocco AFCON controversy after its widely debated ruling.
The body stripped the Teranga Lions of the title and awarded it to hosts Morocco by walkover, with the decision sparking major criticism.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
