Senegalese and French in a match steeped in three centuries of history…

For the average fan, the mind immediately turns to the 2002 World Cup and Senegal’s 1-0 victory over then-world champion France. However, the historical background of this rivalry runs much deeper.

The French colony that became the “showcase” of West Africa

The French presence in Senegal began in the 17th century and gradually evolved into full colonial control. Dakar became the most important administrative center of French West Africa, a vast colonial territory that included many of the region’s current countries. Initially, in 1677, France had gained control of what had become a small hub for the Atlantic slave trade: the island of Gorée near modern-day Dakar, which was used as a base for purchasing slaves from warring tribes on the mainland. European missionaries introduced Christianity to Senegal and Casamance in the 19th century. Slavery was abolished in 1850 and the French began to expand into mainland Senegal.

Senegal held a special place in the French colonial system. Its four major cities—Dakar, Saint-Louis, Gore and Rufisque – enjoyed privileges not found in other colonies, while serving as a testing ground for French assimilation policy.

The Senegalese who fought for France

In January 1959, Senegal and French Sudan merged to form the Federation of Mali, which became fully independent on June 20, 1960, as a result of a transfer of power agreement signed with France on April 4, 1960. Due to internal political difficulties, the Federation dissolved on August 20, 1960 when Senegal and French Sudan (renamed the Republic of Mali) declared their independence.

During World War I and World War II, tens of thousands of African soldiers served in the French army as “Senegalese Tirailleurs” (Tirailleurs Sénégalais). Despite the name, the corps included soldiers from many French colonies in Africa.

They fought on the European fronts and contributed significantly to the defense and the liberation of France. However, after the wars ended, many faced inequalities in compensation and pensions, an issue that poisoned relations between the two sides for decades.

Senegal gained independence in 1960, but ties with Paris were never severed.

France remains a presence today

Six decades after independence, the French language remains the official language of Senegal, while France remains one of the country’s most important economic and political partners.

At the same time, hundreds of thousands of people of Senegalese origin live in France, forming one of the strongest African communities in the country. This reality is also reflected in soccer. Many Senegalese internationals were born or developed as soccer players in France, while several players on the French national team have family roots in Senegal.

That is why Senegal’s victory in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup took on symbolic significance that went beyond soccer. For many Senegalese, it was a historic moment against the former colonial power.

Twenty-four years later, the two countries meet again in the World Cup. The result will be decided on the field, but the history surrounding this matchup began long before the opening whistle and continues to shape how they perceive one another.

You can read more stories like this in a 640-page, large-format study in the book “Confidential World Cup,” published by Historical Quest.