Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson impressed despite his team’s 3-1 defeat against France in their opening 2026 World Cup match, drawing praise from England legend Wayne Rooney. Rooney believes the tournament presents a crucial opportunity for Jackson to prove his worth, particularly as his club future remains uncertain. He described the World Cup as an “audition” for the 24-year-old forward, referencing ongoing speculation about his career path. Jackson showcased offensive activity against France, challenging their defense and hitting the post, though a goal was disallowed. While facing defensive pressure and occasional ball control issues, his commitment and work rate were noted. Rooney highlighted Jackson’s positive attitude and strong statistics from his season with Bayern Munich, where he scored 11 goals and provided 4 assists. Senegal will next face Norway and Iraq as they aim to advance in Group I.