MATCH PREVIEW:
We are making our way down the alphabet and we’ve finally got to Group I, which includes France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
Runners-up in Qatar, France will be hoping to give Didier Deschamps the perfect send-off by going one step further in this World Cup.
They start their campaign this evening against Senegal, whose status as African champions remains undecided after January’s chaotic Afcon final with Morocco.
Kylian Mbappe could make more history this evening.
The 27-year-old has scored 56 goals for Les Bleus and is just one away from joining Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time record scorer.
Of those 56 goals, 12 have come at World Cups and he is just four shy of the all-time record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
This is Kylian Mbappe’s first appearance on the World Cup stage since scoring a hat-trick in the 2022 final and losing.
Mbappe scored all three of France’s goals against Argentina in Qatar four years ago only for Les Bleus to lose on penalties.
Hugo Lloris was France captain that day. Mbappe wears the armband today. This is his 15th appearance on the World Cup stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or and they traded it between themselves for a decade.
And then when they didn’t win it, it didn’t go to Kylian Mbappe, and it didn’t go to Neymar…
It went to Luka Modric, and it went to Rodri. Mbappe won a World Cup in 2018, he scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final in 2022.
For all those people who think he got in the way of PSG winning the Champions League, he has not got in the way of France reaching finals.
By the end of the group stage, if France take the handbrake off he could already be the all-time record scorer in the World Cup.
After nearly 14 years at the helm, the 2026 World Cup will be Didier Deschamps’ last tournament as France boss.
He is just one of three men to have won the tournament as both a player and a coach, having captained France at the 1998 World Cup and leading them to victory again as manager in 2018.
This summer, he is attempting to become just the second head coach after Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1938 to win two World Cups.
A World Cup opener against France? It’s a fixture that will always hold fond memories for Senegal fans.
Senegal made their World Cup debut against Les Bleus back in 2002 and stunned the reigning champions, which included the likes of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, with a 1-0 victory.
The Teranga Lions went on to reach the quarter-finals that year – a result they have never bettered since.
This Senegal team, this group of players, will give France a very tough game. You look at the clubs that they all play for, they are quality players. Don’t underestimate Senegal, they have a big role to play in this World Cup.
ANALYSIS:
Olise, Cherki, Mbappe, Dembele, Doue, Thuram, Mateta, Barcola…Deschamps has got everything. He has so many options up front, we have the best talent for strikers.
France’s weakness might be its midfield. For all the stacked attack, they could have a difficult time controlling a game with Tchouameni and Rabiot.
African football has come a long way, and Senegal has come a long way.
It wouldn’t be an utter shock if they beat one of the best teams in the world.
Mane and Sarr are going to have to track back. When the ball goes out wide for France we know the trickery and skill of Olise and Doue – they will have to double up on them all afternoon.
For France, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde will have to communicate well in defense.
Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Champions League winners Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue all feature in a star-studded France attack.
Arsenal defender William Saliba starts after recovering from a back injury, with Rayan Cherki, N’Golo Kante and Bradley Barcola all among the substitutes.
Everton veteran Idrissa Gueye missed training on Saturday as a precaution but is fit enough to start for Senegal.
Nicolas Jackson leads the line, with Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr and former Liverpool star Sadio Mane completing the Teranga Lions’ front three.
There’s superstars all over the French team, and some very recognisable faces in the Senegal team who are playing in the Premier League. Hopefully we’ll get a very, very good game.
PREDICTIONS:
Sadiq’s Prediction: France enter the contest as favourites and may simply possess too much attacking quality for Senegal to contain over 90 minutes. With Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué stretching the pitch, Didier Deschamps has an abundance of pace, creativity and finishing ability. Senegal’s biggest challenge will be dealing with France’s wide attackers, forcing Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr to spend significant periods tracking back rather than attacking.
Tactically, France are likely to dominate possession and isolate Senegal’s full-backs in one-on-one situations. While the French midfield of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot may not fully control the game, the attacking firepower could compensate.
Senegal have enough quality through Nicolas Jackson, Mané and Sarr to score, but France’s depth should prove decisive.
My Prediction: France 3-1 Senegal
Peter’s Prediction: If there is an upset, Senegal have the tools to produce it. African football has closed the gap significantly on Europe, and Senegal’s squad is filled with players accustomed to competing at the highest level. The Teranga Lions will likely adopt a disciplined shape, absorb pressure and attack quickly through Mané, Sarr and Jackson.
France’s greatest weakness appears to be midfield control. Should Senegal disrupt Tchouaméni and Rabiot and prevent France from building rhythm, the match could become more open than Deschamps would like. Jackson, who has a point to prove after his club struggles and move to Bayern Munich, could thrive on the big stage.
Senegal’s recent pedigree, combined with France’s occasional defensive lapses, makes a narrow victory possible.
My Prediction: France 0-1 Senegal
Gbenga’s Prediction: A draw would not be a major shock considering Senegal’s quality and France’s potential vulnerability in midfield. The French attack is among the most dangerous in world football, but questions remain about whether Tchouaméni and Rabiot can consistently dictate the tempo against energetic opponents.
Senegal have the players to exploit that area. Idrissa Gueye brings experience and ball-winning ability, while Jackson’s pace and direct running could trouble the French defence.
Mané and Sarr are capable of punishing any defensive lapses, particularly if France commit numbers forward. With both teams boasting dangerous attacking options, an entertaining high-scoring draw is a realistic outcome.
My Prediction: France 1-1 Senegal
Gloria’s Prediction: This could be a tighter affair than many expect, particularly if Senegal maintain their defensive shape and frustrate France early. The Teranga Lions have developed into one of Africa’s strongest sides, winning two AFCON titles in recent years and consistently competing with elite nations.
However, France’s defensive pairing of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano has the physicality and experience to handle Nicolas Jackson’s movement. If Jules Koundé communicates effectively and the backline remains organised, France could limit Senegal’s counter-attacking opportunities.
One moment of brilliance from Mbappé or Dembélé may unlock the game before France add a late second.
My Prediction: France 2-1 Senegal