Henri Camara: Senegal Aims to Be the First African Country to Win the World Cup

Former Senegal forward Henri Camara has said that the wish of everyone in his country is to see the Teranga Lions become the first African nation to win the FIFA World Cup.

Henri Remains Optimistic About Senegal Despite Early World Cup 2026 Setbacks

Senegal is one of the ten African teams competing in this year’s tournament, which is being co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, the team has not had a strong start, losing its first two group‑stage matches to France (3‑1) and Norway (3‑2).

Senegal can still advance if it defeats Iraq in its final group match and if results in other games go its way, allowing it to finish as one of the three best third‑placed teams.

In an exclusive interview with Parimatch, Camara expressed hope that the Teranga Lions will reach the semifinals this year, despite the disappointing start.

Camara, who was part of the Senegal squad that reached the quarterfinals in 2002, also tipped Morocco to progress far in the 2026 tournament.

“We’d love to be first, and I think we will be one day. I don’t know if it will be this year, but I’d like us to finish in the last four, to reach the semi‑finals,” he said. “With the players we have, I think Senegal can go far. That said, what Morocco showed against Brazil was very strong. I think Morocco will also be there in the later stages. We’ll see which teams reach the final, but I’d like to see an African team get there this year.”

Senegal Remains AFCON 2025 Champions

When asked whether a future World Cup match against Morocco would settle the question of the true African champion, following the controversy in the AFCON final, Camara affirmed that the Teranga Lions are still champions.

He said, “We won it on the pitch. Even today, if our paths cross again, Senegal will beat Morocco. We are the best team in Africa.”

Also Read: World Cup 2026: Sarr Upbeat Senegal Will Bounce Back Against Iraq

Why Chelsea Should Give Jackson a Chance

Regarding Chelsea’s decision not to rely on Nicolas Jackson’s striking ability, Camara described the Senegalese forward as one who has not had much luck.

He noted that Jackson had a good spell at Chelsea but questioned why the club let him go, adding that the player also performed well during a loan spell at Bayern.

“I think Chelsea should give him the chance to show his talent. He’s a good player, technical, powerful, the kind of striker who wears defenders down. I like how he plays. He should stay and show he’s a good attacker,” Camara said.

“With Nicolas Jackson, I don’t see anyone better than him in that squad. I think he can bring a lot to Chelsea under Xabi Alonso.”

When asked where Jackson could go next if he is not wanted at Chelsea, Camara added, “He has good representation, and plenty of clubs are interested. I think even if Chelsea don’t want to keep him, he’ll find a good club, that’s certain. He had a good match against France. Even without scoring, he played well.”

Mendy Was the Best Goalkeeper Chelsea Have Had

On whether Chelsea should have been more patient with Edouard Mendy given their struggles since he left, Camara said, “Chelsea are always looking for a good goalkeeper. Edouard was the best goalkeeper they’ve had. Sometimes big clubs don’t really know what they want. I think they can still find a good goalkeeper, but I don’t think Edouard will go back to Chelsea.”

He added, “They can find another goalkeeper, but Edouard is settled where he is right now. I don’t think he’ll be returning to Chelsea.”

By James Agberebi