World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Ismaila Sarr ruled out, Senegal calls up Ousseynou Niang | OneFootball

Crystal Palace winger makes way for the Union Saint-Gilloise talent for matches against Sudan and DR Congo

Ousseynou Niang

Ismaila Sarr will miss Senegal's next two matches against Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Crystal Palace forward, who suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday during the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, has been replaced by Ousseynou Niang from Union Saint-Gilloise.

The technical staff, led by Pape Bouna Thiaw, confirmed this last-minute change to the Lions' squad for the 7th and 8th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This absence is a major setback for the national team, which loses one of its most experienced attacking players.

To make up for this loss, the Senegalese Football Federation has called up Ousseynou Niang, the Union Saint-Gilloise winger. At 22, the Diambars Academy graduate finally gets his first senior team call-up after playing at every youth level for Senegal (U17, U20, U23). This maiden call-up is a well-deserved reward for the former Diambars player, who is enjoying an outstanding season in Belgium.