Iliman Ndiaye: Senegal’s goal is to win World Cup 2026

Senegal and Morocco are widely viewed as Africa’s strongest sides at this World Cup. The BBC’s Isaac Fanin is in Los Angeles, while Lee James and John Bennett are in New York; they reflect on being at Morocco’s opening game against Brazil, and on the recent Afcon final between the two sides.

Isaac has also spoken at length to Senegal and Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye, who tells him the team “never fear anyone” and that their goal is to win the World Cup.

Senegal open their campaign against France in a repeat of their epic encounter at the 2002 World Cup, and Ndiaye says El Hadji Diouf – one of the stars of the 2002 team - has spoken to them about that famous victory.

More than the Score brings you more than the men’s football World Cup - the new teams, standout stars, trends and fandoms shaping the tournament in ways the stats don’t show. With 48 teams competing across Mexico, the US and Canada, BBC World Service promises to take you deeper - from the group stages to the final. Search for More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts.