Following the official draw conducted this Tuesday, the Senegalese squad has a clear picture of the challenges ahead. While many consider Group J to be manageable on paper, the Lions, led by coach Pape Thiaw, must maintain their focus and vigilance against teams that consistently prove formidable contenders in African football, especially when playing on home turf.

The qualification campaign will unfold across several international windows. The initial two matchdays are slated to take place between September 21 and October 6, 2026. Subsequently, the third and fourth rounds of fixtures will be contested from November 9 to November 17, 2026. The group stage will then conclude with the fifth and sixth matchdays, scheduled from March 22 to March 30, 2027.