LIVE UPDATES: France vs Senegal World Cup 2026 – Follow all the action, the goals and the celebration

France remain concerned about the fitness of Jules Koundé ahead of the Group I encounter.

Senegal are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Team News

For Senegal, Ismaïla Sarr enters the tournament full of confidence after helping Crystal Palace win the UEFA Conference League. He has scored his country’s opening goal in seven of his last eight international matches in which he has found the net.

Kylian Mbappé continues his pursuit of World Cup history. The France captain has already scored 12 goals at the tournament and is closing in on Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16. Interestingly, each of his last 12 international goals has come after the 30th minute.

Players to Watch

France are unbeaten in their opening World Cup match since their defeat to Senegal in 2002, recording three wins and two draws.

Each of France’s last nine matches has produced more than 2.5 goals.

Only two of Senegal’s last seven matches have seen both teams score.

Five of Senegal’s last seven World Cup matches have produced over 2.5 goals.

Key Stats

There has been only one previous meeting between France and Senegal at the World Cup.

That encounter came in 2002 when Senegal stunned the defending champions with a historic 1-0 victory in the opening match of the tournament.

France have also lost three of their last four World Cup group stage matches against African opposition.

Head to Head

One of the pre-tournament favourites, Les Bleus arrive in the United States with ambitions of making history. Having reached the last two World Cup finals, France are aiming to become only the third nation ever to reach three consecutive finals. Their qualification campaign provided further evidence of their credentials, with five wins and one draw helping them secure their place at the tournament in convincing fashion.

With the record for most World Cup matches managed standing at 25, another deep run could also see Deschamps write his name into football history during what is expected to be his final World Cup as France coach.

Despite off-field geopolitical issues threatening to create distractions, France head into the tournament in excellent form. They have won nine of their last 11 matches, drawing one and losing one, and will be determined to make a strong start.

Senegal arrive with their own ambitions after securing qualification for a third consecutive World Cup. The Teranga Lions advanced through qualifying unbeaten, recording seven victories and three draws.

While Senegal have established themselves as one of Africa’s most consistent teams, they are still searching for a World Cup campaign that surpasses their previous best performances. None of their last three appearances have taken them beyond the Round of 16, while their deepest run remains the quarter-final appearance achieved in 2002.

Interestingly, that memorable campaign began with a famous 1-0 victory over France. Replicating that result may prove difficult, however, particularly as Senegal have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 World Cup matches and did not win either of their pre-tournament warm-up games against fellow World Cup participants.

France begin their quest for World Cup glory against Senegal as Didier Deschamps takes charge of his 20th World Cup match as manager.

Match Preview

Stay tuned for team news, match updates, goals and key moments from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Follow our live coverage as France and Senegal face off in their opening Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.