France Look to Bounce Back Against Senegal in World Cup Opener

France's quest to reclaim the World Cup throne gets underway on Tuesday evening when they take on Senegal in their Group I opener. The 2018 champions suffered heartbreak in Qatar four years ago, losing the final to Argentina, and will be determined to put that right in the United States.

Victory over Senegal could set Les Blues on course to reach a third consecutive World Cup final – a feat only achieved once before in the tournament's history. However, Didier Deschamps' side cannot afford complacency, particularly given their opponents' shock 2-0 triumph over France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.

The fixture kicks off at 8pm BST (3pm local time) on Tuesday, June 16 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. BBC One will broadcast proceedings from 7.30pm, with BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT offering full commentary.

Injury Concerns Easing for France

William Saliba's World Cup participation had been cast into doubt following a back problem sustained during the Champions League final. The Arsenal defender managed just 45 minutes across France's two pre-tournament friendlies, prompting concern about his availability. However, Deschamps and the France medical team have since downplayed the severity of the issue, and Saliba has returned to full training and is expected to start at centre-back alongside Dayot Upamecano.

Jules Kounde's withdrawal at half-time during the 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland was merely precautionary, with the right-back fully fit for the Senegal encounter.

Attack Bristling with Talent

France's offensive arsenal is formidable. Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe are guaranteed starters, with Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki and Desire Doue competing for the final attacking berth.

Mbappe sits just one international goal short of Olivier Giroud's France scoring record with 56 to his name, and the Real Madrid forward boasts an impressive World Cup pedigree. Olise arrives in excellent form, having registered 31 assists for Bayern Munich last season and is in contention to provide creativity from the flanks.

Senegal's Fitness Puzzle

Kalidou Koulibaly's availability had been uncertain after missing the final two months of the 2025-26 season with a thigh injury sustained during Al-Hilal training. The former Chelsea centre-back appeared for eight minutes as a substitute in Senegal's final warm-up friendly against Saudi Arabia and could feature from the start.

Nicolas Jackson saw red against Saudi Arabia but will not face suspension for this fixture. The Chelsea striker is poised to lead Senegal's attack, flanked by Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye.

The Numbers Game

Bookmakers have installed France as 1/2 favourites to claim victory, with the draw priced at 7/2. Senegal, seeking to replicate their 2002 heroics, are out at 7/1.

Les Blues have topped their group at each of the last three World Cups and are 2/5 to win Group I – which also includes Norway and Iraq. Senegal are 7/1 to finish top of the section.

In the outright betting, France sit as second favourites at 6/1, whilst Senegal are available at 150/1.

Prediction

France's attacking prowess is virtually unmatched at the tournament. Dembele, Olise and Mbappe are all genuine Ballon d'Or contenders, and Les Blues have scored at least two goals in 12 of their previous 13 matches. However, defensive vulnerabilities – they have conceded in six of their last seven outings – suggest both sides will find the net. France to win with both teams scoring is priced at 13/5, as is a one-goal victory for the favourites.

Expect France to make a winning start, though Senegal's threat should not be underestimated.