"Senegal booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in US, Mexico and Canada with a thumping 4-0 win over Mauritania in Dakar on Tuesday. Footage shows fans queuing outside the stadium and later celebrating as the goals went in, as the Lions of Teranga sealed top spot in CAF Group B with the win. Star forward Sadio Mane bagged a brace, while Iliman Ndiaye and Habib Diallo chipped in with a goal apiece to seal the result. Senegal ended the campaign on 24 points, ahead of DR Congo, and qualified directly for their fourth World Cup. After the match, the players praised the team’s comeback after a slow start in the group. “We started off poorly with a string of draws. Everyone had begun to doubt us, but we knew there was still room to qualify. Today wasn't an easy match; it was hot, but we managed the game,” said Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Ismaila Sarr. “We needed the victory. We're in Senegal, we can't miss the World Cup. Now we're going to the AFCON to win the title. We're the biggest team, so we have to win it. The atmosphere in the locker room was fantastic; it's incredible; we're all happy,” added Ilay Camara, who plays his club football with Anderlecht. Senegal will be making their fourth appearance at a World Cup, having qualified in 2002, 2018 and 2022, while attention now turns to the 2025 AFCON."