Andscape at the World Cup: Why Senegal vs. France means more than soccer
William C. Rhoden and Alexis Nunes discuss the ties between colonization and soccer, the pride of Senegalese football and more
Andscape columnist William C. Rhoden explores the intriguing teams, people and themes around the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
From Cafe Ru Dix, a Brooklyn-based Senegalese restaurant, Andscape columnist William Rhoden and ESPN FC host Alexis Nunes explore why the World Cup can turn one matchup into a global cultural moment.
Senegal vs. France brings back memories of Senegal’s 1-0 upset in 2002, but the conversation also reaches deeper into soccer”s spread through colonization, the pride of African nations, and the talent pipeline that shapes European teams. With food on the table and fans in mind, the preview frames the match as a story about identity, history, and the power of the world’s most-watched sport.