Senegal advanced to their thirdWorld Cupin a row after winning a qualifying group that featuredDemocratic Republic of Congo(DRC), Sudan, Togo, Mauritania and South Sudan.

They clinched qualification with a 4-0 romp past Mauritania at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium in Dakar last October.

In January, there was more joy as Senegal players celebratedvictoryover Moroccoin the final of theAfrica Cup of Nationsat the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.

But a few months after the 1-0 win, the Confederation of African Football, which organises the tournament, upheld an appeal from Morocco who said Senegal should have lost the game after their players walked off the pitch without the referee's permission in protest over one of his decisions.

Senegalese football federation chiefs have asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport tooverturn Caf's decision.

Africa's finest: Morocco, African champions by ruling

Missed chances

As arbitrators consider whether Morocco or Senegal should claim the crown, Senegal, at 14 inFifa's listof 211 nations, will pit their wits against France, Norway and Iraq.

In2022, the last 32-team World Cup, Senegal reached the last 16, where theylost to England.

In2018, they were denied a spot in the knockout stages due to the fair play rule. Japan advanced because they had fewer yellow cards than Senegal.

"These are things we unfortunately couldnt control," said Senegal defender Lamine Gassama. "We did our best for the team. As a result, we sometimes made mistakes and received cards.

"Unfortunately, thats also part of the game. Its cruel to miss out on the last 16 because of more yellow cards."

Fans savour the memory of Senegal at World Cup in Qatar

Fans were out in colourful force for Senegal's matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

New format in 2026

Reaching the last 16 in 2026 will be bit more difficult. Theexpansion to 48 sidesbrings a knockout round of 32 made up of the top two from the 12 pools and the eight best third-placed teams.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was upbeat as he announced his squad for his first World Cup.

"I think Senegal's is among the most anticipated lists in the world," said the former international defender, who was part of the Senegal squad that reached the quarter-finals during the country's debut appearance at the World Cup in 2002.

"Before, it was just Africa that was waiting for this list. Now its not just Africa its the whole world thats waiting for this list."

Last hurrah: Senegal's Sadio Man

Just as in 2002, Senegal will start theirWorld Cup campaignagainst France. The sides will play at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 16 June.

Senegal follow that clash a week later at the same venue with a game against Norway. The West Africans conclude their Group I matches againstIraqat the BMO Field in Toronto.

Just before the squad left Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye threw them a farewell party at the presidential palace in Dakar.

"I know you will show courage, solidarity and a spirit of self-improvement," Faye told the players and coaches. "The entire nation is placing its hopes and pride in you who have become Senegals ambassador on the international stage."

Originally published on RFI