Edouard Mendy

Expected to start in goal

Mendy has been named in Senegal's World Cup squad as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper under coach Pape Thiaw, arriving at the tournament after a solid season with Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

Analysis: Mendy recorded 14 clean sheets and conceded just 18 goals across 26 matches this season, delivering a consistently reliable and commanding performance level that underlines his continued quality at the highest level. His shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in his penalty area and distribution from the back make him one of the more complete goalkeepers at the tournament, and his Champions League experience from his time at Chelsea gives him the big-game credentials needed to perform when the stakes are at their highest. For Senegal, Mendy is the defensive foundation upon which the entire team is built, and his ability to make crucial saves and organize the unit in front of him will be a decisive factor in whether the reigning African champions can make a deep run at a World Cup on foreign soil this summer.