France are two-time world champions
Senegal’s best World Cup run came in 2002 when they made last eight
Recommended bet: France/France in half-time/full-time @ 23/20
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France are rated as one of the favourites to win the World Cup and the 2018 winners should demonstrate why when they face Senegal in their Group I opener
France's memorable triumph of eight years ago was followed up by an agonising defeat on penalties to Argentina in Qatar in 2022.
It is hard to ignore that tournament form, and Didier Deschamps has a squad at his disposal packed with elite performers.
Senegal, meanwhile, are not in the section to merely make up the numbers and are dangerous opponents, who should also qualify for the knockout stage.
Team news
William Saliba should be fit for France despite a minor back complaint. Les Bleus' big guns Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise are all set to start in a formidable attacking line-up.
Senegal have plenty of recognised talent in their ranks, with former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane expected to start alongside Everton pair Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye, with Nicolas Jackson, who spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich from Chelsea, set to lead the line.
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The stats
France qualified for the tournament by finishing top of their group, winning five of their six games.
Senegal made it to the World Cup after topping their group in CAF qualifying, going undefeated in 10 games.
France are ranked third in Fifa's rankings.
Senegal are 16th in the world rankings.
France warmed up for the tournament with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland after losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast.
Senegal lost 3-2 to USA and then drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in pre-tournament friendlies.
The countries' most recent meeting came in the memorable opening game of the 2002 World Cup when Senegal stunned the then world champions, winning 1-0 in South Korea.
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Prediction
France are understandably favourites for victory and they approach the World Cup in good form, having won nine of their last 11 games.
Most recently, a 3-1 home win over Northern Ireland showcased their attacking depth, when they were 1-0 up at the break, and a nation that has Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Rayan Cherki at their disposal will surely trouble any defence from the off.
Senegal have not inspired in their recent outings, but this is still a side that qualified without losing a game and they beat England 3-1 in a friendly away just a year ago.
It is likely this opener will go in France's favour, though, and Les Bleus are fancied to turn in a dominant display, leading at half-time before going on to win overall.
Score prediction: France 2-0 Senegal
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Date | 16 Jun 2026 |
Kick-off time (BST) | 20:00 |
Match official | Alireza Faghani |
Stadium | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (East Rutherford) |
Where to watch | BBC One, livescorebet.com, virginbet.com |
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