France and Senegal begin their 2026 World Cup adventures on Tuesday evening at 8pm (UK time).
These two had one of the most memorable World Cup matches ever. Their 2002 World Cup meeting announced Senegal’s arrival on the international stage with a 1-0 win. Their paths since then have been quite different, with France winning the 2018 World Cup and Senegal only making it out of the group stage once since their 2002 exploits.
France are one of the favourites to win the competition but it remains to be seen how Didier Deschamps will keep so many superstars happy within his squad.
That meeting in 2002 remains their only previous encounter, with France hunting their first win against the African side.
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France vs Senegal team news
France team news
Didier Deschamps made a significant call during France’s World Cup preparations. He omitted Eduardo Camavinga after a difficult, injury-hit season at Real Madrid. The decision shocked many, given Camavinga’s role in the 2022 squad. France’s starting XI still looks formidably strong ahead of their opener against Senegal.
Mike Maignan takes the first-choice goalkeeping spot, ahead of Robin Risser and Brice Samba. Jules Koundé starts at right-back, with Theo Hernández on the left. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano will anchor the central defence. Saliba shook off a minor back issue to start France’s 3-1 win over Northern Ireland. He will partner Upamecano again. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot will start in the double pivot.
Kylian Mbappé looks set to lead the line despite managing a thigh injury in the closing weeks of the La Liga season. He enters the tournament with 56 international goals — only Olivier Giroud has scored more for France. Michael Olise provides a great option on the right, fresh off his incredible season with Bayern Munich. Desire Doue takes his spot on the left flank after his hat-trick against Northern Ireland. Ousmane Dembele will play through the middle as the No.10.
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Senegal team news
Pape Thiaw faces a fascinating selection headache during Senegal’s World Cup preparations. The Lions of Teranga carry extraordinary attacking depth across every position. Senegal’s starting XI looks highly competitive ahead of their opener against France.
Édouard Mendy takes the first-choice goalkeeping spot, ahead of Yehvann Diouf and Mory Diaw. Antoine Mendy starts at right-back, with Ismail Jakobs on the left. Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaté will anchor the central defence. Koulibaly brings vast experience from his time at Chelsea and Napoli. He will marshal the backline against one of the world’s most dangerous attacks.
Pape Matar Sarr, Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye will start in a three-man midfield. Sarr has established himself as one of Tottenham’s most important players this season. Nicolas Jackson leads the line after a superb loan spell at Bayern Munich. Sadio Mané provides a great option on the left, still capable of match-winning moments at the highest level. Ismaïla Sarr takes his spot on the right flank. Senegal beat France 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup — and Thiaw will demand his side write another chapter of that story.
France vs Senegal predicted lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe
Senegal (4-3-3): E. Mendy; A. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; Sarr, Camara, Gueye; Sarr, Jackson, Mane.
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