France vs Senegal predictions, stats, tips & odds
No previous meetings between these teams.
Player stats will appear once the competition begins.
Previous lineup is not available.
France begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a tricky Group I tie against former foes Senegal. The match is set for a kick-off time of 8pm (UK time) on Tuesday 16th June. Find our match preview and best bets for the game below.
It is 24 years since the sides’ memorable meeting on the opening day of the finals in Korea and Japan. Papa Bouba Diop forever wrote his name into World Cup folklore, scoring the only goal as the African side shocked the defending champions.
The match will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with Les Blues desperate to avoid a repeat result just under a quarter of a century later.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| France & BTTS | 9/4 @ Sky Bet (25%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | France are the form team of the last two editions of the World Cup. Les Bleus lifted the trophy in Russia in 2018, and were just a penalty shootout away from successfully defending their crown in Qatar four years later. Deschamps’ side will arrive in North America with plenty of confidence, and you would expect them to prevail in their opening match. Nevertheless, they have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches, and given the quality and experience that Senegal possess, you would not expect the African nation to roll over against the two-time champions. |
| Pape Gueye to be carded | 16/5 @ Paddy Power (26.7%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Pape Gueye could be a busy man in midfield against a France side packed with attacking quality. Senegal are likely to spend long periods without the ball and that may force the Villarreal midfielder into a number of challenges. Gueye was booked twice at the Africa Cup of Nations and collected two more cautions in four World Cup qualifying starts. He also received 12 yellow cards in 34 league starts for Villarreal last season, making him an appealing option in the card markets. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into France vs Senegal
France progressed to their eighth successive World Cup without too many difficulties, finishing six points clear at the top of their qualifying group. Les Bleus are also unbeaten in their last nine matches, since losing to Spain in the Nations League semi-final.
Didier Deschamps has guided his nation to back-to-back World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 2018. The outgoing coach will be desperate for one last crack at the biggest prize of all, before he steps down at the conclusion of the tournament.
Senegal are appearing at their third successive finals, after coming through a qualifying group ahead of DR Congo. Pape Thiaw’s side would have been arriving in North America as Africa Cup of Nations champions, only to be recently stripped of their title following that controversial win over Morocco.
The Lions of Teranga demonstrated their ability to compete against stronger nations when they beat England in a friendly last year. And the class of 2026 will draw inspiration from their counterparts of 24 years ago, who built on that win over France by going on to reach the quarter-finals.
France team news
France head into their World Cup opener against Senegal with a strong squad despite Didier Deschamps leaving Eduardo Camavinga out following an injury-hit season. Mike Maignan is expected to start in goal behind a back four of Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernandez, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot should anchor the midfield. Kylian Mbappe is set to lead the line, supported by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue after the latter’s hat-trick in France’s recent win over Northern Ireland.
Senegal team news
Senegal have plenty of attacking talent at their disposal ahead of their World Cup opener against France. Edouard Mendy is expected to start in goal behind a defence of Antoine Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate and Ismail Jakobs. Pape Matar Sarr, Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye should form the midfield trio, while Nicolas Jackson is set to lead the line. Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr are expected to provide the threat from wide areas as Senegal look to repeat their famous victory over France at the 2002 World Cup.
Head-to-Head: Last 3 Meetings
The two nations are set to meet for only the fourth time, though it will be their second showdown on the biggest stage of all. They famously locked horns in the opening match of the 2002 finals, with the tournament debutants inflicting a shock 1-0 defeat on the reigning World champions.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 31/05/02 | France 0-1 Senegal | World Cup |
| 19/04/63 | Senegal 2-0 France | Friendly |
| 17/06/56 | Senegal 2-9 France | Friendly |
Who will grab the advantage in Group I opener?
Despite that shock result 24 years ago, it is hard to realistically see a repeat of that this time around. Les Bleus’ World Cup pedigree of recent times in stronger than any other nation. When it comes to the betting markets, we like France to win and both teams to score, or opt for Pape Gueye to be carded at 11/4 with Paddy Power.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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