El Hadji Diouf backs RSL trio to inspire Senegal FIFA World Cup quest | OneFootball

El Hadji Diouf knows a thing or two about France versus Senegal at a FIFA World Cup.

It was during the 2002 edition that the African nation recorded one of the greatest shocks in the history of football’s showpiece event, defeating the then-holders 1-0 in the tournament's opening match. At that time, Senegal were World Cup debutants.

As fate would have it, that same fixture will kick off Group I at the 2026 tournament on Tuesday night, when 2018 and 2022 finalists France face their African rivals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Senegal's Papa Bouba Diop scores shock winner v France in 2002 FIFA World Cup opener

That fixture may well feature up to four Roshn Saudi League players, with Al Hilal defender Theo Hernandez expected to line up for France, most probably in opposition to Senegal trio Edouard Mendy (Al Ahli), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) and Sadio Mane (Al Nassr).

We caught up with El Hadji Diouf not too long ago in Riyadh - he was taking it the Capital Derby’s title showdown at Al Awwal Park - one of the stars of that triumphant Senegal side in 2002, to chat about the 2026 re-run and the current Senegal’s stellar RSL spine.

Al Hilal teammates Theo Hernandez (far L) & Kalidou Koulibaly (2nd from right) could face off at 2026 FIFA World Cup

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How important is it to have the likes of Sadio and the guys representing Senegal on the big stage? And how do the people back home pay attention to the RSL? 

"We give them a lot of respect. These guys follow what we used to do. Myself, Salif Diao, [Kalilou] Fadiga, we’re so proud of them. Sadio, Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, all these Africans boys playing here in Saudi. I think today they’re the best representatives for Africa.

"And Sadio is another level because when I look at him playing with the passion he give, the love he give for the country and for the continent, I'm thinking about myself and I'm very happy to be a part of him. I'm so proud to see people like Sadio follow my way."

Sadio Mane scorers opener in Al Nassr's RSL title-sealing victory v Damac

What's your opinion of Senegal going into the World Cup? Obviously, they're playing France in the first game - and we all know you have a very, very special history with that one. 

"Yeah, definitely. We know it's going to be a big game because France is going to want to beat Senegal because it’s the first game and they want to take the lead [in the group].

"We have a big team, we have big players, we don't have to worry or to be scared about any teams. We just need to say to the people, ‘We are the African champion’.

Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy celebrate Senegal winning 2025 AFCON

"We’re coming there for everyone to see what Senegal’s going to do. Why not to go to play the final of the World Cup? We show the world how good we are.

"We have Sadio Mane, we have Edouard, we have all these boys. We don't have nothing to worry about. Against France, we know we're going to be in a tough game, but we can handle it."

And beautiful memories for you from that match as well. 

"Definitely. I want my brothers to do the same thing I used to do against France in 2002. We know it’s going to be hard, but impossible is not Senegalese."