Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has unveiled a powerful 27-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the Eagles will take on Comoros and Ghana in a double-header that could shape their Group I destiny.

The West Africans begin their campaign against Comoros on Thursday, September 4, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, before making the short trip to Accra for a fiery showdown with the Black Stars on Monday, September 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Saintfiet has opted to maintain the backbone of his side, blending European-based stars with emerging local talents. RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare, Al Ahly’s in-form Aliou Dieng, and Brest playmaker Kamory Doumbia headline a dynamic midfield unit, supported by the experience of Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd) and Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce).

The attack promises firepower with Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord), Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahçe), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford), and Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre), while Schalke’s Ibrahima Cisse, Braga’s Sikou Niakate, and Palermo’s Salim Diakite lead a resolute defense. Goalkeeping duties will be contested between Djigui Diarra, Ismael Diawara, and Lyon’s Lassine Diarra.

With qualification hopes alive, Mali will be eager to seize maximum points—particularly in the crunch clash against Ghana, which could prove decisive in their pursuit of a World Cup ticket.

✅ Full Mali Squad for September Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans, Tanzania), Ismael Diawara (Sirius, Sweden), Lassine Diarra (Lyon, France)

Defenders: Fode Doucoure (Le Havre, France), Salim Diakite (Palermo, Italy), Sikou Niakate (Braga, Portugal), Ibrahima Cisse (Schalke 04, Germany), Mamadou Fofana (New England Revolution, USA), Moussa Diarra (Alaves, Spain), Ousmane Camara (Angers, France), Amadou Dante (Arouca, Portugal), Cheick O. Konate (Clermont, France)

Midfielders: Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce, Italy), Mohamed Camara (Al Sadd, Qatar), Mamadou Sangare (RC Lens, France), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly, Egypt), Mahamadou Doumbia (Antwerp FC, Belgium), Kamory Doumbia (Stade Brest, France)

Attackers: Gaoussou Diarra (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Mamadou Camara (Laval, France), Nene Dorgeles (Fenerbahçe, Turkey), Mamadou Doumbia (Watford, England), Mustapha Sangare (Levski Sofia, Bulgaria), Moussa Sylla (Schalke 04, Germany), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre, France)