Group I Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Kick-off: 19:00 GMT Referee: Alireza Fa
Group I
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT
Referee: Alireza Faghani (Iran)
Flashback to June 2002 when defending champions France were heavily fancied to defend their title. The French kicked off their defending campaign against West African minnows Senegal, who, under Bruno Metsu, were rising. Seoul witnessed one of the biggest shocks ever in world football, where Senegal, through Papa Bouba Diop’s goal, won 1-0.
This is the legacy Pape Thiaw, who was on the bench for Senegal that day, will try to protect, whereas this French generation, who have played two finals of the last two World Cups, will prepare to destroy.
France are undoubtedly the favourites to lift the title considering their experience and quality. Senegal, on the other hand, won AFCON 2025 and will be buoyed by that triumph in Morocco, even though they have been stripped of the title.
Ten of the Senegalese players were born in France and will be eager to prove to their country of birth what they are missing. Senegal are unbeaten in tournaments since England smashed them 3-0 in the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
However, Senegal’s defence, led by the experienced Kalidou Koulibaly, must be at their best to stop the attacking talents of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele, who are in the form of their lives.
Veteran Sadio Mane is expected to lead the Lions of Terranga’s attack.
Probable lineup
France
4-2-3-1
Maignan (GK)
Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernández (DF)
Tchouaméni, Rabiot (DM)
Olise, Dembele, Doue (AMF)
Mbappe (ST)
Senegal
4-2-3-1
Mendy (Gk)
Diouf, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diatta (DF)
Camara, Gueye (DM)
Sarr, Ndiaye, Mane, (AMF)
Jackson (ST)
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