France begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign as one of the leading contenders for glory, but standing in their way at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is a Senegal side that arrives with history on its side and ambitions of another memorable tournament run.
As Didier Deschamps prepares for his 20th World Cup match as France coach, Les Bleus are chasing a place among football’s greatest teams by attempting to reach a third consecutive World Cup final.
France Target Another Chapter of World Cup History
Few nations enter this tournament with France’s recent pedigree. Under Deschamps, Les Bleus have reached back-to-back World Cup finals, winning the trophy in 2018 before finishing runners-up in Qatar four years later.
Another deep run would see Deschamps move closer to the record for most World Cup matches managed, currently standing at 25, while also giving France the chance to become only the third nation in history to reach three successive finals.
Their qualifying campaign provided further encouragement. France went unbeaten, winning five of their six matches and drawing one, while their overall form has remained impressive with nine victories in their last 11 games.
However, France know that tournament football can bring unexpected challenges. Off-field distractions have followed the squad into North America, but Deschamps has remained focused on the task ahead as he looks to end his final World Cup campaign as manager on a high.
Senegal Carry African Hopes
Senegal arrive at their third consecutive World Cup finals after another impressive qualifying campaign.
The Lions of Teranga went unbeaten through qualification, winning seven matches and drawing three, continuing their status as one of Africa’s strongest football nations.
Reaching three successive World Cups is a joint-record ongoing achievement among African teams, but Senegal are still searching for a new milestone. Their previous two appearances have ended in last-16 exits, while their greatest World Cup campaign came in 2002 when they reached the quarter-finals.
That unforgettable tournament began with a famous 1-0 victory over France, a result Senegal would love to repeat.
However, history alone will not be enough. Senegal enter this tournament with defensive concerns, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 World Cup matches, while their final preparations produced no victories against fellow World Cup participants.
Head-to-Head History
Senegal’s famous 1-0 victory over France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup remains the only previous meeting between the two nations.
France, meanwhile, have struggled against African opponents in recent World Cup group matches, losing three of their last four such encounters.
Key Players to Watch
France’s hopes will once again be led by Kylian Mbappé, who is already among the greatest World Cup goalscorers of his generation.
Mbappé has scored 12 World Cup goals and is closing in on Miroslav Klose’s record of 16. His last 12 goals for France have all arrived after the 30-minute mark, highlighting his ability to influence matches as they develop.
Senegal will look towards Ismaila Sarr, who arrives after winning the Conference League with Crystal Palace. Sarr has scored his nation’s opening goal in seven of his last eight international scoring appearances.
France are monitoring the fitness of Jules Kounde, while Senegal appear to have a fully fit squad.
Numbers That Matter
- France have not lost their opening World Cup match since 2002.
- France have won nine of their last 11 matches.
- France’s last nine games all produced over 2.5 goals.
- Senegal have reached three consecutive World Cups.
- Only two of Senegal’s last seven matches saw both teams score.
- Five of Senegal’s last seven World Cup matches produced over 2.5 goals.
Kick-off is set for Tuesday evening at 10 pm.
