World Cup 2026: N’Golo Kante warns France against underestimating Senegal

France midfielder N’Golo Kante has urged his teammates to approach Senegal with caution ahead of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recalling the famous upset that stunned the football world 24 years ago.

The Group stage encounter at MetLife Stadium will revive memories of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, where Senegal announced themselves on the global stage with a remarkable victory over the defending champions.

On that occasion, the Lions of Teranga defeated France 1-0 thanks to a goal from the late Papa Bouba Diop, who bundled home from close range following a scramble inside the penalty area. The result remains one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history and played a significant role in France’s early elimination from the tournament.

As the two nations prepare to meet again, Kante believes Senegal possess the quality required to trouble any opponent and insists Les Bleus cannot afford to take them lightly.

“I have Malian roots, but I’ve represented France for a long time. The goal is to win against Senegal. We saw what happened in 2002,” said the former Chelsea midfielder.

“We want a victory, not for revenge, but to get the competition off to a good start and go as far as possible. Senegal is a team with a lot of quality and many strengths.

“Their midfield performed very well (during the AFCON). But they also have attacking and defensive players.

“They have a good balance, which makes Senegal a very difficult team, one to be taken seriously. The match will be decided by many aspects. But I think we have what it takes to compete with Senegal and win this match.”

France enter the tournament among the favourites, but Kante’s comments highlight the respect Senegal have earned through their performances on both the African and international stages. With memories of the 2002 upset still fresh in football folklore, Tuesday’s clash promises to be one of the most intriguing opening fixtures of the World Cup.