France vs Senegal: What happened last time these two sides met in FIFA World Cup?

France are winless against Senegal in the FIFA World Cup.

Two-time champions France are ready to face Senegal in their opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The game will be played at the New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 16. The 2026 edition of the World Cup has introduced many changes, such as the addition of teams and an increased number of rounds in the knockout stage.

However, as Didier Deschamps’s side prepares for their match, the game will be more than just 90 minutes of football. The game will also bring back good and bad memories for both nations.

While France are in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to compete for the title, considering their star-studded line-up and performance in the last two campaigns, Senegal are also not in the tournament for an easy run. They are also eying a bigger prize.

The Lions of Teranga made their debut at the FIFA World Cup in 2022, when the summer competition was held in South Korea and Japan. And in their first match in the FIFA World Cup, where chances of fumbling under pressure are high, the African team blossomed.

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

France vs Senegal: Previous FIFA World Cup meeting

France faced Senegal for the last time in 2002. The stage was set for a grand clash between Les Bleus and the Lions of Teranga at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. On May 31, 2002, at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea, Senegal recorded a historic victory over France.

The only goal of the match was scored by Papa Bouba Diop. El-Hadji Diouf sent in a cross to Papa Bouba Diop, who later spotted a space in the French defence and made a run while outpacing the opposition’s defence. As soon as he reached the penalty area, he scrambled and shot the ball into the back of the net, creating a memorable moment for the football world.

The French team, managed by Roger Lemerre, included icons such as Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, Youri Djorkaeff and more. But still, they failed to find an equaliser against Senegal in the remainder of the game.

The edition produced the best results for the Lions of Teranga in their history. Under Bruno Metsu, Senegal reached the quarterfinals of the tournament, where they were eventually eliminated by Türkiye. Meanwhile, Les Blues were eliminated in the group stage.

Interestingly, if Senegal records another victory over France, it won’t be a surprise, as the team has the potential to do so.

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