France vs Senegal — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026France against Senegal carries history. Les Bleus are still haunted by 2002, when reigning champions France lost their opener to Senegal and crashed out in the group stage. More than two decades on, the two meet again in New Jersey — and Senegal arrive emboldened after beating England 3-1 at Wembley last June.
France are loaded: reigning Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele, a resurgent Kylian Mbappe and a defence anchored by William Saliba. Didier Deschamps, in his final tournament in charge, will want an authoritative start. Senegal's golden generation — Sadio Mane in his farewell World Cup, Pape Matar Sarr, Nicolas Jackson — have the physicality and pace to trouble anyone.
Expect France to control possession and Senegal to threaten in transition and from set pieces. The talent gap favours France, but the African side's recent results mean an upset is far from fanciful.
Key storylines
- 01Echoes of 2002: Senegal famously beat champions France in that World Cup opener.
- 02Recent warning shot: Senegal beat England 3-1 at Wembley last June.
- 03Deschamps' last stand: the 2018 winner has confirmed this is his final tournament in charge.
- 04Mbappe chasing history: needs two goals to break Just Fontaine's France World Cup record of 13.
- 05Mane's farewell: the 34-year-old captain has said he will retire from international football after this World Cup.
Prediction
France's depth should prove decisive, but Senegal will make them work. Projected: France 2-1 Senegal in a tense, high-quality opener.
