Two-time world champions France will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a challenging Group-stage encounter against Senegal on June 16. The match will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and promises to be one of the most exciting opening fixtures of the tournament.
France enter the competition as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, boasting a star-studded squad led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Aurelien Tchouameni. Senegal, meanwhile, arrive with a strong blend of experience and talent, spearheaded by captain Sadio Mane and defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly.
The fixture also revives an intriguing rivalry, with Senegal holding the edge in previous meetings between the two sides.
Match Details
- Match: France vs Senegal
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Date: June 16, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 AM IST (Wednesday)
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
- Referee: Alireza Faghani
Faghani is set to create history by becoming the first referee to officiate matches across four different FIFA World Cups, having previously featured in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
France vs Senegal Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 3 |
| France Wins | 1 |
| Senegal Wins | 2 |
Recent Form
France
W-W-W-W-L-W
Senegal
W-W-W-W-L-D
France Squad
Goalkeepers
Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba
Defenders
Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders
N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards
Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
Probable France Playing XI
Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe; Ousmane Dembele.
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Senegal Squad
Goalkeepers
Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf, Edouard Mendy
Defenders
Ilay Camara, Krepin Diatta, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismail Jakobs, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moustapha Mbow, Antoine Mendy, Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck
Midfielders
Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, Habib Diarra, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye
Forwards
Assane Diao, Bamba Dieng, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mane, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr
Probable Senegal Playing XI
Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Ilay Camara, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra, Sadio Mane; Nicolas Jackson.
Coach: Pape Thiaw
Players To Watch
Kylian Mbappe (France)
France’s talisman enters the tournament with another major milestone in sight. Mbappe is just four goals away from equalling the FIFA World Cup all-time scoring record held by Miroslav Klose. After leading France’s attack over the past decade, he will be eager to start the tournament strongly and push Les Bleus towards another deep World Cup run.
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Mane missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury, making this tournament a highly anticipated return to football’s biggest stage. Senegal’s all-time leading scorer arrives after helping Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title and remains the heartbeat of his national team.
France Hold Edge But Senegal Can Trouble Favourites
France possess superior squad depth and attacking firepower, making them favourites heading into the contest. However, Senegal have repeatedly shown they can compete against elite opposition and will look to use their physicality, pace and counter-attacking threat to unsettle Didier Deschamps’ side.
The battle between Mbappe and Senegal’s experienced defence, led by Koulibaly, could prove decisive in determining the outcome.
How To Watch France vs Senegal Live In India
Live Telecast
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be telecast on:
- Unite8 Sports 1
- Unite8 Sports 1 HD (Hindi)
- Unite8 Sports 2
- Unite8 Sports 2 HD (English)
Live Streaming
Fans in India can watch the match live on the Zee5 app and website in:
- English
- Hindi
- Malayalam
- Bangla