France open their World Cup run against the team that shocked them in 2002, and the storyline is impossible to ignore. Here is the pre-match picture from East Rutherford.
France face Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM ET. It is the first match in Group I, and it immediately brings back one of the most famous upsets in World Cup history: Senegal’s 1-0 win over the defending champions in 2002, sealed by Papa Bouba Diop. Pape Thiaw, Senegal’s current head coach, was part of that squad, which adds another layer to the reunion.
For Didier Deschamps, this is the beginning of a final tournament in charge after 14 years on the bench. France arrive as the world’s top-ranked team and as one of the main favorites to lift the trophy again, while Senegal come in with belief, structure, and a memory that still matters.
What France Bring Into the Opener
France enter the tournament close to full strength, which is exactly what Deschamps wanted for a match of this size. William Saliba briefly raised concern after aggravating a back issue in the Champions League final, but he has returned to full training. Jules Koundé has also moved past the knock he picked up in the warm-up win over Northern Ireland, leaving France with a near-complete squad.
The larger point is simple: France have depth everywhere. Their defense is powerful, their midfield is balanced, and their attack has enough pace and individual quality to stress Senegal in multiple ways. If they settle quickly, they can control territory and force Senegal into a deep block.
Why Senegal Believe They Can Compete
Senegal are not arriving as passengers. They have had a few minor fitness checks during the week, including concerns around Assane Diao, Chérif Ndiaye, and Idrissa Gueye, but all three are expected to be available. That keeps their core intact for a match that should demand discipline from the first minute.
The Lions of Teranga are likely to defend compactly and look for moments in transition. That approach fits the personnel. They have pace up front, experience through the middle, and enough steel to make France work for every opening. If they can keep the match level into the second half, the pressure on France will grow.
Senegal also have emotional fuel. The 2002 result is part of their football identity, and this fixture gives them a chance to measure themselves against a giant with real history attached.
The Names Most Likely to Decide It
For France, Kylian Mbappé remains the obvious headline. He is captaining the side at his third World Cup, already has 12 goals at the finals, and remains the player Senegal must fear most when space opens behind the back line. Ousmane Dembélé adds a different kind of threat from wide areas, while Mike Maignan and the central defense should give France the platform they need.
For Senegal, Sadio Mané still carries the biggest weight. The 34-year-old remains the team’s all-time leading scorer with 55 goals and has said this is his final World Cup. Nicolas Jackson offers speed and direct running, while Ismaïla Sarr and Pape Matar Sarr provide energy and quality that can change the rhythm of the match.
The tactical shape points toward France having more of the ball and Senegal waiting for mistakes. That usually favors the deeper, more talented side, but tournament openers often punish any early hesitation.
Projected XIs
France are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernández; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Olise, Mbappé, Dembélé; Mateta. Senegal should stay with a 4-3-3 built around Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; H. Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; I. Ndiaye, Jackson, Mané.
France are listed as strong favorites, and that makes sense given squad depth and current form. Senegal have enough organization and threat to make this uncomfortable, but France still look likelier to find the decisive moments. The most realistic script is a tight match that opens up late, with France eventually taking control.
Prediction: France 2-1 Senegal
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