Mamadou Sarr's World Cup Q&A | News | Official Site

Mamadou Sarr is making his first appearance at a World Cup this summer and before he jetted off for the US and Canada, we sat down with the defender to recall some of his memories of the famous old competition...

Sarr is one of two Chelsea players in the Senegal squad for this tournament, alongside striker Nicolas Jackson, who spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Bayern Munich.

A difficult beginning to the tournament in North America saw them suffer back-to-back defeats in Group I to France and Norway, despite a spirited fightback in the latter, meaning their chances of progressing to the last 32 now rely on finishing this stage as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

However, Sarr’s passion means he will keep pushing to the last moment with Senegal, who are one of 10 teams dreaming of becoming Africa’s first-ever World Cup winners in 2026.

There is work to do for Sarr, Jackson and their Senegal team-mates when they take on Iraq in their final group game on Friday, knowing they need a big performance and result in Toronto to secure a spot in the knockout rounds and keep their World Cup dream alive.

Prior to his departure for North America, we sat down with Mamadou to relive some of his favourite World Cup memories, and you can watch the Q&A above or read the discussion below.

What is your first World Cup memory?

It is from 2010 in South Africa. I remember the final — Spain against the Netherlands. At the time, I was in Senegal with my family.

What is your favourite World Cup match?

Germany versus Brazil, the 7-1 semi-final [in 2014]. Nobody expected that.

What is your favourite World Cup goal?

Kylian Mbappe’s goal against Argentina. It was the goal that made the score 2-2. That moment gave me goosebumps.

There is Lionel Messi, Sadio Mane, and Paul Pogba - with Pogba he is a leader. He has the right mentality in the group to lead.