2026 FIFA World Cup: Group I – France vs Senegal

France open Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a tricky test against Senegal. 

Two-time champions, France begin the tournament amongst the title favourites, whilst Senegal will look to get out of the group stage for the third time in four World Cup campaigns.

 

Team News

France have a full squad available for selection, with defender – William Saliba likely to have his game time managed in the group stage due to a recent back injury.

Senegal could be without forward, Cherif Ndiaye after he sat out training for unspecified reasons over the weekend.

Kalidou Koulibaly is set to start despite having joined the squad with a thigh injury ahead of their warm-up friendlies, although he has since resumed full training.

 

When is Kick-Off?

France face Senegal at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA, at 3pm EDT (8pm BST) on Tuesday 16 June, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• France lost 1-0 in their only previous meeting against Senegal, which came in the 2002 World Cup opener in Seoul, South Korea.
• Senegal are looking to claim a second victory in their second-ever meeting against France.
• France have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions (W5, D1, L1), which came in a 4-0 win over Ukraine in their penultimate qualifier in November 2025.
• Senegal have kept clean sheets in two of their last four matches (W2, D1, L1).

 

Prediction

As one of the favourites with a strongly balanced squad in terms of experience and youth, France know that this is a chance to lay a marker especially with Michael Olise in hot form, as he is going to be a key player for them creativity wise if get their tactics right.

Senegal though can’t be underestimated because they possess a strong squad and particularly in attack but are just as solid in defence at times, so this could well be a proper battle if both teams bring their top game.

I however do think that France’s depth and quality will prove the difference come full time but Senegal won’t make it easy for them.

Prediction: France 2-1 Senegal