Preview: France vs Senegal prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Les Blues eye revenge for 2002 World Cup defeat against former African champions Senegal

Situated directly within the New Jersey Meadowlands, the New York-New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, USA, gears up to host the opening match week fixture in Group I of the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring two-time world champions France and African powerhouse Senegal.

Les Blues are among the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, and they boast some of the best talents in modern football. They are led by the experienced Didier Deschamps, one of the three men on this planet, to win the World Cup both as a player and as a coach.

The 2018 World Champions had a sloppy start in the last edition. But as the tournament progressed, the European heavyweights went on to defy the Champions Curse and almost threatened Lionel Messi’s World Cup hopes in the finals of the last edition.

Talking about their recent form, they are coming after winning four out of their last five games, and they remain one of the favourites to top Group I, which is also referred to as the Group of Death.

It was back in 2002; Senegal were playing their first-ever World Cup game, and facing them were defending world champions France, led by a star-studded squad. Back then, France were favourites too to win the World Cup in South Korea.

But the Senegalese team shocked the world by defeating them in the opening game, and France faced a humiliating group stage exit. Senegal are recently been coming after that heartbreaking AFCON 2026 Finals defeat to Morocco, despite winning the game in extra time.

They are led by Pape Thiaw and some of the most exciting talent in the world, including the likes of Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye, who play for the Lions of Teranga.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Kick-off:

• Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
• Stadium: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium)
• Date: Tuesday, June 16
• Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST [12:30 a.m. IST, Wednesday, June 17 / 3 p.m. local EDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

France (in all competitions): W-W-W-L-W

Senegal (in all competitions): W-W-W-L-D

Players to Watch

Kylian Mbappe (France)

At just 27, Kylian Mbappe is just two goals away from becoming the all-time highest goalscorer for France. In just his third World Cup, Mbappe is five goals away from becoming the all time leading goalscorer in the history of FIFA World Cup.

Despite a trophyless campaign, the French striker had a productive spell at Real Madrid. The last game he played at the World Cup was the 2022 World Cup Finals against Argentina, when the world bowed to Mbappe’s greatness as the 23-year-old Starkid scored a hat-trick and single-handedly kept France alive.

He is entering the 2026 World Cup with too much hope and expectation, and he will be eyeing his second World Cup trophy with France in his late twenties.

Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Unarguably, one of the greatest players from Africa, Sadio Mane has plied his trade with top European teams like Liverpool and Bayern Munich before following the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo to join Riyadh outfit Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

He is coming after an extraordinary season with Al Nassr, making 23 goal contributions in over 30 games across all competitions as he helped Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League.

After missing out on the 2022 edition due to a devastating injury, the Senegalese legend will be raring to go all guns blazing in the upcoming World Cup.

Match Facts

• France succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the 2002 opening fixture of FIFA World Cup
• France’s last meeting against an African side Ivory Coast ended in a defeat recently
• Papa Bouba Diop of Senegal is the only goalscorer in this fixture.

France vs Senegal: Betting Tips and Odds

• France to win the game – 4/9 with Betfred
• Ousmane Dembele to score – 7/4 with Betfred
• France 4-2 Senegal – 50/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

France World Cup squad

There was fear after reports suggested that Arsenal centre back Saliba could miss the entire tournament, but he soon returned to training and is fit to play. Jules Kounde also picked an injury but remains fit to play.

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

Senegal World Cup squad

Senegal have no any major injury concerns. But there are still doubts over the match fitness of Assane Diao and Idrissa Gueye for the next game.

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Yehvann Diouf, Mory Diaw

Defenders: Krepin Diatta, Antonine Mendy, Abdoulaye Seck, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ilay Camara, Moussa Niakhate, Mamdou Sarr, El-Hadji Malick Diouf, Moust Apha Mbow, Ismail Jakobs

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Alassane Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, Bara Ndiaye

Forwards: Sadio Mane, Bamba Dieng, Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr

Head-to-Head

Total games: 01

France won: 00

Senegal won: 01

Matches drawn: 00

Predicted Lineups

France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan (GK); Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Théo Hernandez; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé; Ousmane Dembélé.

Senegal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Édouard Mendy (GK); Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakharté, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye; Ismaïla Sarr, Habib Diarra, Sadio Mané; Nicolas Jackson.

Match Prediction

No wonder, Senegal are a formidable opponent. But given France’s deadly attacking lineup and given that any hiccup could badly affect France’s qualification hopes, we expect the Les Blues to emerge victorious in a high scoring fixture.

Prediction: France 4-2 Senegal

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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