- West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf named in Senegal’s preliminary World Cup squad
- Diouf’s impressive season has drawn transfer interest
- Tomáš Souček has also been named in Czechia’s preliminary squad for the Finals
West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf has been named in Senegal’s preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America.
The Senegalese international has had a successful debut season in East London after joining from Slavia Prague last summer, swiftly establishing himself as one of the club’s best players. Despite West Ham’s poor domestic campaign, Diouf’s performances have received international recognition.
Diouf’s dynamism and crossing ability has earmarked him for potential transfers within the Premier League. It is expected that Diouf would be one of many stars who could leave the club in the event of relegation, with Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville also among those who could help the Hammers raise the needed £100 million in player sales.
West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf named in Senegal’s preliminary 28-man squad
Diouf’s season has been recognised, as he was nominated to Senegal’s preliminary 28-man World Cup squad by head coach Pape Thiaw.
Diouf has quickly established himself as a prominent member of Senegal’s squad after making his senior international debut in 2024 and has already earned 18 caps for the country. The 21-year-old left-back started four of Senegal’s seven games on their run to the AFCON title, including the final in January, which was controversially overturned by CAF in March after Thiaw’s team left the pitch before extra-time.
The Lions of Teranga are entering the tournament with great hopes, having assembled one of the finest squads in African football, led by veteran players like Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy. Diouf is expected to be an important option for Thiaw ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Diouf was a consistent contributor to Thiaw’s squad that qualified for the World Cup as CAF Group B winners, and they were then placed in Group I for the summer tournament against two-time champions France, Iraq, and Norway.
Tomáš Souček has also been named in Czechia’s preliminary squad for the Finals.
