France and Senegal are set to renew a memorable World Cup rivalry on Tuesday as they face off in a blockbuster Group I opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford.
The fixture immediately brings back memories of the 2002 World Cup, when Senegal stunned defending champions France with a famous 1-0 victory in one of the greatest upsets in tournament history. More than two decades later, the Lions of Teranga will be hoping to produce another shock against one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
France arrive at the tournament among the leading contenders for World Cup glory and will be eager to give Didier Deschamps the perfect send-off. The legendary coach, who has won the World Cup both as a player and manager, is set to step down after the competition, with Zinedine Zidane expected to succeed him.
Senegal also enjoyed an unbeaten qualification campaign and are appearing at their third consecutive World Cup. The Lions of Teranga continue to establish themselves as one of Africa’s strongest football nations following their Africa Cup of Nations success and consistent performances on the international stage.
However, their World Cup preparations ended on a mixed note, with a 3-2 defeat to co-hosts USA followed by a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia. Despite those results, Senegal possess enough quality and experience to challenge any opponent.
With France targeting a winning start and Senegal dreaming of another historic upset, this Group I encounter promises to be one of the standout matches of the opening round.
Team News:
France were rocked by reports that Arsenal’s William Saliba could miss the entire tournament after aggravating a back injury in the Champions League final, but fears over the centre-back were quickly allayed, and Saliba has returned to full training ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Headlining a fear-inducing front four, Kylian Mbappe enters the World Cup on 56 goals for France, putting him just one shy of the all-time men’s record set by Olivier Giroud in Qatar.
A man who will surely become Les Bleus’ leading male goalscorer comes face-to-face with Senegal’s unrivalled net rippler, as Sadio Mane – absent from the 2022 World Cup due to injury – is fit and raring to go this time around.
There are a few bumps and bruises in Thiaw’s squad, as Assane Diao missed training earlier this week due to a contusion, Cherif Ndiaye was absent on Saturday for unexplained reasons, and Everton veteran Idrissa Gueye did not complete the full session as a precautionary measure.
However, there are no major concerns over any of the trio, although Ndiaye is likely to lose out to Nicolas Jackson for the number nine spot, in spite of the Chelsea man’s sending-off against Saudi Arabia.
Possible Lineups
France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Doue, Mbappe; Dembele
Senegal possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, P. Gueye; Sarr, Diarra, Mane; Jackson
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 20:00 (WAT) |
Match predictions
Softfootball predicts France 2-0 Senegal
France have seldom failed to bring the entertainment in recent internationals, scoring and conceding in each of their last five games, while each of their last nine have gone above the three-goal mark.
