France kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Tuesday with a fascinating Group I clash against Senegal, a side that famously shocked Les Bleus in one of the tournament’s greatest upsets 24 years ago.
The meeting at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford brings back memories of the 2002 World Cup opener, when Senegal stunned defending champions France 1-0 thanks to the late Papa Bouba Diop’s historic goal. While much has changed since then, the African side will be hoping to recreate another memorable night against one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
For France, the tournament represents the final chapter of Didier Deschamps’ remarkable reign. The World Cup-winning captain and coach is set to leave his role after the competition, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to succeed him.
Deschamps has already guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final appearance in 2022. He enters this tournament with 14 World Cup victories as manager and could surpass the record of 16 wins held by legendary German coach Helmut Schon if France enjoy another deep run.
The 2018 champions cruised through qualification, dropping just two points on their way to an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Despite suffering a surprise 2-1 friendly defeat to Ivory Coast earlier this month, France responded with a convincing 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland and have scored at least twice in nine of their last 10 matches.
Much of their hopes will rest on the shoulders of captain Kylian Mbappe, who arrives at the tournament with 56 international goals and sits just one strike away from matching Olivier Giroud’s all-time France scoring record.
Senegal, meanwhile, remain one of Africa’s strongest representatives on the global stage. The Lions of Teranga qualified unbeaten and are appearing at their third consecutive World Cup after reaching the knockout stages in Qatar four years ago.
Head coach Pape Thiaw knows exactly what it takes to beat France at a World Cup, having been part of Senegal’s famous 2002 squad. Although he did not feature in that historic victory, the experience remains a source of inspiration for his current team.
The West Africans have enjoyed an impressive run of form, recording victories over Peru and Gambia in recent friendlies before drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. However, they were beaten 3-2 by the United States in their final warm-up match and will need to be at their very best to contain France’s attacking talent.
Senegal captain Sadio Mane returns for the World Cup after injury ruled him out of the 2022 tournament. The veteran forward remains the country’s all-time leading scorer and will be crucial if Senegal are to cause an upset.
France have received positive news on the fitness front, with William Saliba recovering from a back issue and returning to training. Jules Kounde and goalkeeper Mike Maignan are also expected to be available.
While Senegal possess enough quality to trouble any opponent, France’s depth, experience and attacking firepower make them favourites to start their campaign with three points.
Prediction: France 3-1 Senegal
The Lions of Teranga should create opportunities through Mane and Nicolas Jackson, but France’s star-studded attack led by Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise is expected to prove decisive as Deschamps’ side begin their quest for World Cup glory.
