2026 World Cup: Group I: France vs Senegal (Jun 16)
France kick-off their 2026 World Cup as they face Senegal in Group I.
The French are looking to return to the final once again, whilst Senegal are looking to avenge their AFCON title, that was taken away from them after the game had concluded.
Odds
| Match Result | Odds |
| France | 1/2 |
| Senegal | 13/2 |
| Draw | 15/4 |
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Head-to-Head
These two nations have faced off in one competitive game before.
France and Senegal played each other in the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
The African nation would beat the French 1-0, with Papa Bouba Diop scoring the only goal of the game.
In 2026, both nations head into the tournament on good form, with France having only lost one of their last five games and Senegal having only lost two.
Key Stats
- France’s Kylian Mbappe has 12 goals across the last two World Cups, more than any other player.
- Senegal beat France on their last meeting, all the way back in 2002.
- France come into the tournament having won four of their last five games, scoring 12 goals in the process.
- Senegal have conceded seven goals in their last five fixtures.
France Team News
Didier Deschamps is expected to have a full 26-man squad at his disposal for the French’s opening game.
Possible Lineup
Mike Maignan (GK), Lucas Hernandez, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelin Tchouameni, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe
Senegal Team News
Senegal are in the same position as France heading into their first game of the World Cup. The African nation expects to have a fully fit squad for the game.
Possible Lineup
Edouard Mendy (GK), Krepin Diatta, Mamadou Sarr, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Pathe Ciss, Lamine Camara, Iliman Ndiaye, Habib Diarra, Sadio Mane, Cherif Ndiaye
France vs Senegal Picks
Unfortunately for Senegal, this is not the game they would have wanted to have as their first game of the World Cup. France are a powerhouse and this team has only got better since they lost the final four years ago to Argentina.
Despite the fact Senegal do have some super players, there is only one winner in this game, and that is the French.
Other markets include Kylian Mbappe to score, Ousmane Dembele to have two or more shots on target and Sadio Mane to draw two or more fouls.
