France made a statement of intent as they opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal.
Les Bleus made a sluggish start as Senegal threatened in the first half, with Nicolas Jackson denied by first the post and then keeper Mike Maignan before Ismaila Sarr missed a golden chance on the stroke of half-time.
And Senegal were left ruing those missed opportunities as a much-improved France came out after the restart. Kylian Mbappe was bizarrely denied a penalty after Sadio Mane took him out in the box, but he put France in front minutes later with a brilliant no-look goal on the turn.
Substitute Bradley Barcola scored late in the second half before Mbappe hammered home a stunning third from 35 yards out.
That quashed any hope of a Senegal comeback after teenager Ibrahim Mbaye had given them hope with another stunning goal in extra time, as Didier Deschamps’ side underlined why they are among the favourites to lift the trophy this summer.
Follow reaction to the Group I opener right here:
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France v Senegal - World Cup 2026
- Live coverage of Group I clash between France and Senegal from New Jersey | Kick-off 8pm BST
- '82 GOAL! Bradley Barcola doubles France's lead [FRA 2-0 SEN]
- '68 OFFSIDE! Jackson equaliser ruled offside [FRA 1-0 SEN]
- '66 GOAL! Kylian Mbappe opens scoring with no-look goal [FRA 1-0 SEN]
- '61 NO PENALTY! France denied penalty after poor Sadio Mane challenge on Kylian Mbappe [FRA 0-0 SEN]
- '57 SAVE! Edouard Mendy makes point-blank save from Mbappe [FRA 0-0 SEN]
Reaction to come
22:17 , Alan SmithReaction from - we hope - both camps to follow but, with Iraq and Norway set to face off at 11pm, France are obviously already well-placed to progress while Senegal should still find some positives to take. If only they were able to finish when the match remained scoreless....
Game of two halves
22:10 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyA game of two halves from France, unlike the matches of four quarters Gianni Infantino seems to want. They were terrific in the second, with Mbappe's glorious brace showing the talent in their ranks. Senegal can rue missed chances before the break.
22:07 , Alan SmithFrance were slow and sloppy in the first half, second best to a tenacious Senegal. But the penalty farce seemed to ignite something and from that moment on Les Bleus were exceptional.
FULL-TIME! France 3-1 Senegal
22:05 , Alan SmithAnd take a breath. What a second half. France are off the mark, Senegal must not be too despondent.
France 3-1 Senegal
22:05 , Alan Smith100’ - Tchouameni almost scores a farcial own goal! Mbaye’s cross from the right goes into box and the France midfielder botches his clearance, sending it straight towards the goal. Maignan stretches well to just keep it out and there is a brief doubt over whether it has crossed the line. It has not.
France 3-1 Senegal
22:03 , Alan Smith99’ - We are still playing but the broadcasters are showing us coverage of Mbappe’s second. It is a complete beauty.
France 3-1 Senegal
22:02 , Alan Smith97’ - Mbaye’s goal is a ferocious strike from a tight angle on the right that Maignan should do better with, allowing the ball to fly past a weak enough pair of wrists.
But then straight from the restart Olise dribbles forward. He wants a foul as the ball breaks to Mbappe about 40 yards out. He moves forward about five yards, certainly no more than 10, and drills an absolute stunner into the net.
GOAL! France 3-1 Senegal (Mbappe, 96)
22:00 , Alan SmithThey cannot! This is incredible.
GOAL! France 2-1 Senegal (Mbaye, 95)
21:59 , Alan SmithThey couldn’t, could they?
France 2-0 Senegal
21:56 , Alan Smith92’ - France are now toying with their opponents, tapping it about and having a bit of fun.
France 2-0 Senegal
21:55 , Alan Smith90’ - There will be eight minutes added on.
France 2-0 Senegal
21:55 , Alan Smith90’ - Senegal have a corner. Diouf puts it in but France clear.
France 2-0 Senegal
21:54 , Alan Smith90’ - Senegal have a corner. Diouf puts it in but France clear.
France 2-0 Senegal
21:52 , Alan Smith88’ - Idrissa Gueye is replaced by Ciss in Senegal’s fifth and final change. This result is done.
France 2-0 Senegal
21:51 , Alan Smith87’ - France bring on Cherki, remove Doue. Again, that depth...
France 2-0 Senegal
21:50 , Alan Smith86’ - Mendy saves from Mbappe. France are now in irresistible form having laboured for so long.
France 2-0 Senegal
21:49 , Alan Smith84’ - Two more Senegal chances as Pape Gueye and Jackson are off, Dieng and Ndiaye are on.
France 2-0 Senegal
21:48 , Alan Smith83’ - Barcola’s finish is sublime, a right-footed lift over Mendy as the goalkeeper emerged from his line, but, again, credit must go to the much-maligned Rabiot for a sumptuous through ball that split the Senegal defence and sent Barcola clear.
GOAL! France 2-0 Senegal (Barcola, 82)
21:46 , Alan SmithWe were just saying about depth...
France 1-0 Senegal
21:44 , Alan Smith80’ - France’s first change sees Dembele depart and Barcola enter. What depth.
France 1-0 Senegal
21:44 , Alan Smith79’ - Diouf swerves in a majestic cross from the left - Jackson meets it and directs it wide but he is also flagged offside.
France 1-0 Senegal
21:43 , Alan Smith78’ - France do a good job at sucking a little intensity out of the match, limiting Senegal’s chances of building momentum.
France 1-0 Senegal
21:41 , Alan Smith75’ - A double Senegal change. Mbaye and Diarra are on for Sarr and Camara.
80,545 are in the stadium for this one - and they are enjoying a brilliant second half.
Impressive perseverance
21:40 , Jack Rathborn in New JerseyMbappe's perseverance has been impressive, but it's the calm head of Olise that has flipped this game for France. The vision has always been there, but the Bayern forward has wriggled free of the Senegalese defenders much more often this half, exchanging passes with Kounde before finding a teammate with the most exquisite weight of pass.
Thierry Henry had said Olise could be the best player in the world, that he beat out Harry Kane for the Bundesliga player of the season was a statement that a mighty trajectory is not beyond the former Crystal Palace star. Mbappe might not be exactly on it from the first whistle, but the repeated runs into space married with Olise's delivery will see France persistently open up teams.
France 1-0 Senegal
21:37 , Alan Smith73’ - We’ve restarted. Senegal are not going to be beaten easily.
21:36 , Alan SmithThe goal underwrites its importance but that non-penalty decision remains baffling.
Mbappe climbs the all-time standings
21:34 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyMbappe goes past Pele for World Cup goals with 13. Now level with Fontaine and Messi
21:33 , Alan Smith68’ - Hydration break. We all need a drink after those few minutes.
France 1-0 Senegal
21:33 , Alan Smith68’ - Senegal can respond quite positively. A long ball over the top is taken down by Jackson and he then drills a stunning attempt across the face of goal and in.... but, hold on, he is narrowly offside so it will not count.
France 1-0 Senegal
21:32 , Alan Smith67’ - Mbappe’s finish is really good, swivelling his body in front of Koulibaly, before slotting across Mendy’s goal. But Olise deserves huge credit for a delicious assist down the inside right. Now how can Senegal respond?
GOAL! France 1-0 Senegal (Mbappe, 66)
21:30 , Alan SmithIt was coming. And you know who has broken the deadlock.
France 0-0 Senegal
21:28 , Alan Smith64’ - Olise, dropping deep, finds Mbappe and he is almost straight through only to miscontrol. You sense there is a goal on the way...
France 0-0 Senegal
21:27 , Alan Smith63’ - That is a stunning decision. Flabbergasting. It’s claimed that Mbappe initiated the contact. And there we have the first refereeing controversy of the tournament. The only surprise is it has taken 17 matches.
France 0-0 Senegal
21:25 , Alan Smith61’ - It’s not been given! What on earth. The whole ground is erupting because the referee appears to point to the spot but he is actually pointing for a goal kick. This is bizarre on several levels.
France 0-0 Senegal
21:24 , Alan Smith60’ - This has to be given. Mbappe is looking for it but Mane’s challenge is poorly timed, he does not meet the ball and definitely meets his man. The referee is off to the screen...
Penalty shout! France 0-0 Senegal
21:23 , Alan Smith58’ - Mbappe wants a penalty but the referee points for a corner after Mane slides in on the France forward. VAR will have a look but the first replay suggests it will be given.
France 0-0 Senegal
21:21 , Alan Smith57’ - Mbappe denied by Mendy! This is suddenly thrill a minute. Mbappe gets his first sight of goal, getting in front of Diatta, but his low shot is blocked by the Senegal goalkeeper.
France 0-0 Senegal
21:19 , Alan Smith55’ - Sarr feeds Jackson with a quick move forward but Upamecano, once more, steps in to close down the danger.
France 0-0 Senegal
21:18 , Alan Smith53’ - Olise goes close! The Bayern winger runs at an angle from a central position after receiving a pass from Kounde. But Mendy comes off his line quickly, makes himself big and makes a good stop. From the corner Mendy catches a sub-standard delivery. France, however, are definitely threatening to purr.
France 0-0 Senegal
21:14 , Alan Smith50’ - France are playing with a lot more intent and Senegal are yet to really get on the ball since the restart.
France 0-0 Senegal
21:12 , Alan Smith47’ - Doue, who was anonymous in the opening period, shuffles forward from the No.10 position and takes a pop. The shot is wide but that is, in the immortal words of Andy Townsend from his tactics truck, better from France.
1 - La France n'a tenté qu'un seul tir en première période ce soir, son plus faible total lors d'un match de poules de la Coupe du Monde depuis qu'Opta analyse la compétition (1966).
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 16, 2026
Rodage ? pic.twitter.com/4x2CQUtg5O
Restarted! France 0-0 Senegal
21:10 , Alan SmithWe are back underway. All the posh seats remain vacant. Concourses must be busy. Neither side has made a change.
The half in numbers
21:03 , Alan Smith𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟎-𝟎 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐓
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 16, 2026
Ismaila Sarr misses the best chance of the game with the last kick of the first half. Senegal should probably be 1-0 up.
France started brightly but managed just 0.02 xG. Big improvement needed. pic.twitter.com/N6XGYnvWtX
Warnings for France
21:01 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyA rather underwhelming first half but Senegal had the two best chances, through Jackson and Sarr. Some warnings for France there. Their own superstar-studded attack has failed to gel.
Half-time! France 0-0 Senegal
20:55 , Alan SmithAnd that is the last act of a compelling first half. Senegal have been edging it, France have been disappointing.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:54 , Alan Smith51’ - There’s still one more chance for Senegal. But Sarr has wasted it! Diouf plays in Mane down the left and the former Liverpool man sends in a low cross. Sarr meets it at the back post but messes up his approach and instead blasts over.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:53 , Alan Smith50’ - Ticking into the last minute. France passing it around with no sense of urgency. Senegal, again, drop off for a moment. No one is in a hurry approaching the break but no doubting who the happier coach will be.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:51 , Alan Smith48’ - Sarr nutmegs Hernandez but then falls over in a promising position.
Lethargic France
20:49 , Jack Rahborn in New JerseyBit of a lethargic French performance, this, with the Senegal fans growing in confidence at each breakdown. France have struggled to piece together moves, but the most danger has come from Ousmane Dembele simply bolting towards the touchline and driving a ball across the six-yard box. Fairly simple, but despite lacking a blue shirt in his vicinity, it caused all sorts of panic for Kalidou Koulibaly, whose deflection threatened his own goal before gifting Les Bleus a corner.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:48 , Alan Smith46’ - There will be six minutes added on but half a minute has elapsed by the time the fourth official lets us all know.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:47 , Alan Smith45’ - France have a corner, via Koulibaly cutting out a cross, but Olise wastes it by kicking the ball straight into the welcoming hands of Mendy.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:46 , Alan Smith43’ - Pape Gueye commits handball, stopping it on the ground while pleading for a free kick. Instead France have a set piece from 35 yards out. Dembele floats it in and Koulibaly clears.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:45 , Alan Smith42’ - Sarr hobbles away after treatment, meaning Senegal must play with 10 men for a minute. France will look to capitalise in the brief powerplay.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:43 , Alan Smith40’ - Sarr weaves and bobs forward. He is tackled by Saliba when offloading to Mane and looks in quite a bit of pain as Mane shoots straight at Maignan. The trainer will be on.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:41 , Alan Smith39’ - Diatta dashes past Doue - not for the first time - but cannot find a killer pass into the final third.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:40 , Alan Smith37’ - Senegal tap it around for a bit. Idrissa Gueye then tries to find Mane with a diagonal pass but it is over hit and goes out for a France goal kick.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:38 , Alan Smith35’ - Jackson and Upamecano’s duel has been fascinating. How often would they have battled each other in Bayern training this past season?
The Senegal striker is now dropping a little deeper to try and get involved.
We’re still waiting for a first shot on target but this is a compelling watch.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:34 , Alan Smith32’ - Senegal remain ascendant after the break. Sarr has a shot blocked.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:33 , Alan Smith31’ - The match restarts with a long throw from Niakhate which is cleared.
Mbappe's touch
20:32 , Jack Rathborn in New JerseyA theme of the first 25 minutes: Kylian Mbappe's touch. El Hadji Malick Diouf pinched possession, released the rampaging Nicolas Jackson, who had too much speed for Dayot Upamecano. Mike Maignan is a lucky man, too, the ball cannoning off the post and clattering his boot before going out. But the star-studded attacking quartet just struggling for fluidity and a consistent strategy so far. Jackson a nuisance, too, and putting pressure on Les Bleus directly and indirectly, given the direct option Senegal have in transitions.
Grass care
20:32 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyA new meaning to the hydration break as they are watering the pitch
France 0-0 Senegal
20:29 , Alan Smith25’ - Big chance! Senegal have been excellent on the counter. Diouf steals it from Mbappe and sets Jackson away with a swift pass. He gets the better of Upamecano for the first time and then shoots low and firm... and it hits the post before coming off Maignan and going out for a corner. That is a major let off for France. The set piece is wasted and we’re off for the hydration break.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:26 , Alan Smith23’ - Diatta gets back to halt a Rabiot charge down the left. France take the corner short but it breaks down and Senegal counter... until Upamecano steps in and wins possession. The centre-back has been outstanding so far.
A few seconds later Mendy slips when passing the ball out and is fortunate that it reaches Pape Gueye rather than a France shirt.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:24 , Alan Smith21’ - In the absence of much excitement on the pitch, there is now a Mexican wave going across the stadium.
Feeling each other out
20:23 , Jack Rathborn in New JerseyA quiet start here at MetLife, save for a few clunky touches from Mbappe after Les Bleus opted for a more vertical route to goal. Olise drifting and splitting his own centre-backs, much like his Bayern teammate Harry Kane has done in recent years, but he's now dovetailing nicely with Kounde off the right. France not quite clicking and Senegal posing a threat, Sarr down the right, but his end product is poor. Bit of a feeling out round or two, if you like.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:22 , Alan Smith19’ - Sarr get some space down the right after Pape Gueye’s lovely pass. But the former’s cross is disappointing.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:21 , Alan Smith19’ - Olise finds Dembele and he has a pop from a moderately difficult position. Niakhate blocks but at least it is a shot.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:21 , Alan Smith17’ - France tap it about across their back four, situated on the halfway line with Senegal retreating, choosing their moment to press carefully.
It is telling how games over the past six days - depending on the city they are being played in - have had long spells of walking football. This is the first such episode in this game and it is France who are dictating it.
Luis Diaz...?
20:19 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyJust looking at some of the France fans near us and the names they have on the back of their shirts. There are quite a lot of Mbappes, an Olise and, er, a Luis Diaz. He may be at the wrong game.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:17 , Alan Smith14’ - Koulibaly gifts the ball to France in a dangerous area but Dembele puts too much sauce on his pass to Mbappe and another half-chance passes by.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:15 , Alan Smith12’ - Now Mbappe’s touch lets him down. Dembele finds the Real Madrid in the box with a pass down the inside right but Mbappe cannot control it cleanly and the “ooohs” from the stands quickly turn into “ahhhhs”
France 0-0 Senegal
20:12 , Alan Smith9’ - France are sloppy. Tchouameni joins a list already featuring Kounde and Rabiot of players who have produced uncharacteristically poor control under little pressure so far.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:10 , Alan Smith7’ - Senegal are looking rather comfortable in the early stages here. Sarr goes up against Upamecano following a prolonged spell of possession but his shot is blocked by the France defender, who then uses his strength to ease the pressure - momentarily because Senegal are pressing in a hurry here.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:07 , Alan Smith4’ - Mane gets a boot in the chest from Rabiot, winning a free kick.
The pitch does look rough going off the TV pictures.
France 0-0 Senegal
20:06 , Alan Smith3’ - The corner leads to a free out because Maignan has his foot threaded on ... by Tchouameni, his teammate.
20:05 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyWe were wondering how the France front four would line up and it does seem to be Mbappe as a striker, Dembele as a 10, Doue left and Olise right
20:05 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyWe were wondering how the France front four would line up and it does seem to be Mbappe as a striker, Dembele as a 10, Doue left and Olise right
France 0-0 Senegal
20:04 , Alan Smith2’ - A chance already for Senegal as a deep cross from the left is headed out for a corner by Hernandez, who is under a moderate amount of pressure from Sarr.
Kick-off! France 0-0 Senegal
20:03 , Alan Smith1’ - And we are underway in New Jersey - France kicking the ball straight out for a throw in.
Both teams are in their primary strips. France: blue shirts, white shorts, red socks. Senegal: white shirts, green shirts, white socks.
Almost time
19:55 , Alan SmithHere come the teams, emerging into what looks like a sell out. The normal music is blaring, the sun is shining and they are on the long walk towards the centre circle for the anthems.
Lots of people on the pitch, none of them footballers
19:51 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyFifa seem fond of pointlessly long opening ceremonies for each game. Not sure why but there are lots of people on the pitch and none of them are footballers
Giroud, Clichy hail Deschamps
19:47 , Alan SmithThe former France stars are in the BBC studio for this match and both are showering the Bleus’ head coach with praise.
Giroud: “Deschamps' genius was group management. Tactically is not really his best quality, to keep a good squad harmony, he makes sure there is no rebellion, he puts collective above individuals. As a person he is never panicking, very calm, more controlled, a great manager.”
Clichy: “Deschamps is probably the best manager we have had for France. He came in a very negative moment and his legacy will be that he came and has left the French team in a better place, in terms of trophies and performances. Two World Cup finals, won one. It's the end of an era in his life with the national team but France will always be producing.”
France's turnover
19:34 , Alan SmithSeven of France’s XI played in the 2022 final - goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Desire Doue, Michael Olise and Arsenal defender William Saliba are the four changes.
Are European sides underperforming?
19:31 , Alan SmithEarliest of days and all that but the World Cup has been far from glistening for the European sides. Headlined by Spain’s failure to muster up a plan B on Monday night, Switzerland threw their lead away against Qatar, Bosnia were pegged back by Canada and Czechia lost to South Korea.
Germany’s 7-1 scoreline over Curacao was flattering considering they were pulled back. Scotland’s performance and margin of victory against Haiti was not impressive despite the feeling of “who cares?” from the team afterwards. And Sweden’s comfortable win against Tunisia was the only result that has exceeded expectations.
Perhaps this will all be irrelevant come the knockout stages and teams are pacing themselves during such a grind. Or maybe this is a tournament where the continent’s teams collectively disappoint?
Pitch problems
19:20 , Jack Rathborn in New JerseyThe French goalkeepers are out and Mike Maignan has a stroll across this rather depressing surface, given the stage of the tournament. The bright orange boots and gloves of Maignan shuffle over to the edge of the area as he greets his teammates, the outfield players are out and a crackle of applause from the French fans already in place.
Regarding the pitch, it's dry and scuffed up in patches, so it'll be interesting to see how that impacts the express pace of the French forwards and how quickly Rabiot and Tchouameni can move it from midfield.
Thiaw talks up Senegal
19:14 , Alan Smith"Would it be a surprise if Senegal were to beat France? For me, no. Because we have world-class players in this team,” the head coach said. “We've qualified for the last three World Cups in a row. In recent editions of the AFCON, we've reached three finals out of four. So, for me, it wouldn't be a surprise."
How will France's fab four line up?
19:10 , Jack Rathborn in New JerseyThe atmosphere is building nicely at the New York New Jersey Stadium, French fans in good spirits and evidently excited to see this electric front four. The exact position of Olise and Dembele will be fascinating and whether Doue drifts too. Mbappe has promised to focus more on his defensive responsibilities; a win for Deschamps after a turbulent season for Real Madrid. The Pichichi winner may well conclude there are different ways to measure success after this summer.
A nice retro New York Red Bulls shirt spotted too, part of the beauty of a World Cup is the fashion, and a rare Thierry Henry shirt suggests a few locals are adopting Les Bleus here.
Hello from the MetLife
18:59 , Richard Jolly in New JerseyWe have made it to the MetLife, with no thanks to the Fifa bus driver who lost his way and drove away from the giant stadium. More importantly, France and Senegal are here too. Didier Deschamps has gone for the fantasy front four of Mbappe, Dembele, Doue and Olise, though it remains to be seen who plays where. This should be a terrific group. France are the favourites but there could be three possible winners in this pool.
Confirmed Senegal team
18:51 , Alan SmithSenegal XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, P. Gueye, I. Gueye; Mane, Jackson, Sarr.
Confirmed France team
18:47 , Alan SmithFrance XI: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Doue, Mbappe, Dembele.
Tonight's referee
18:40 , Alan SmithAlireza Faghani is in the middle for tonight’s game.
The Iranian-Australian, 48, is taking charge at a third World Cup having overseen four games in Russia eight years ago and two matches in Qatar in 2022.
Predicted teams
18:32 , Alan SmithThe confirmed teams will be with us in the next 15 minutes but here is how we reckon both could line-up
France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Doue, Mbappe, Dembele.
Senegal XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, P. Gueye, Sarr; Diarra, Mane; Jackson.
What will Deschamps' legacy be?
18:24 , Richard JollyDeschamps has nonetheless been damned with faint praise, in part because he has had such talented players, in part because of his pragmatic bent. There is no such footballing philosophy as Deschampsball; yet no other manager has seen his side score seven goals in World Cup finals.
The counter-argument is to note Deschamps’ France reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 without scoring an open-play goal; they instead had two own goals, one penalty and a successful penalty shootout. France were less than the sum of their parts then.
Deschamps nears finish line
18:16 , Richard JollyWhen Didier Deschamps became manager of France, it was so long ago that Jose Mourinho was in charge of Real Madrid - the first time around, that is. It may be more pertinent to say that Sir Alex Ferguson was at Manchester United, Sir Kenny Dalglish had just left Liverpool and Tottenham were turning to Andre Villas-Boas. Another time.
Deschamps can feel the timeless figure who has spanned eras, but one is ending. After 14 years, he is standing down. It may be after 188 games, too, if he steers France to a third consecutive World Cup final or, indeed, a third-place match. He will fall just short of Joachim Low’s record for a European manager, of almost 15 years and 198 matches at the helm.
His immediate predecessor as a World Cup-winning coach could provide one comparison. Low stayed too long with Germany. If France flounder in the United States, the accusation will be that Deschamps has done likewise, especially as his former teammate, turned triple Champions League-winning manager, Zinedine Zidane seems to have spent years waiting to succeed him.
The France puzzle standing between Didier Deschamps and World Cup immortality
Senegal players to watch
18:08 , Alan SmithStar player: Sadio Mane. The talisman was praised for his leadership when he convinced Senegal to return to the pitch and end the walk-off protest during the Africa Cup of Nations final. Mane then indicated that he had retired from international football after lifting the trophy, but reversed his decision to play at the World Cup. The explosive speed of his Liverpool peak is no longer there, but the game intelligence remains.
Breakout talent: Mamadou Sarr. The 20-year-old centre-back replaced captain Kalidou Koulibaly when he was suspended for the Africa Cup of Nations final, but he was outstanding. Already at Chelsea, where he was recalled from his loan at Strasbourg, Sarr is the future of the Senegal defence.
France players to watch
18:00 , Alan SmithStar player: Kylian Mbappe. With 12 goals in just 14 appearances at the World Cup, and by the age of just 27, Mbappe will be motivated by his path towards further greatness as he returns to the tournament that has so far defined his career. While his last two seasons with Real Madrid have not been easy, even if his goalscoring record has remained outstanding, it feels as if the superstar captain has a lot to prove, to a lot of people, as he leads Les Bleus.
Breakout talent: Desire Doue. The winger was playing in the Under-19 Euros two years ago when France reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024. Now he is likely to form part of a star-studded attack after proving his talents on the Champions League stage with PSG. With mesmerising feet and an eye for goal, the 20-year-old is rightfully up there with Lamine Yamal as one of the most exciting youngsters to be appearing at their first World Cup this summer.
Senegal squad
17:52 , Alan SmithGoalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Yehvann Diouf (Nice), Mory Diaw (Le Havre)
Defenders: Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Mamadou Sarr (Chelsea), El-Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham United), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray)
Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Bara Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace)
France squad
17:44 , Alan SmithGoalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes).
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamenaco (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Jean-Phillipe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
Senegal tournament preview
17:36 , Jamie BraidwoodThe chaos of Rabat is still unresolved but Senegal’s reputation on the pitch remains. A second Africa Cup of Nations title in four years should have crowned Senegal as one of the finest sides the continent has produced but the decision to overturn the result of the final and name Morocco champions ensures there is unfinished business for the Lions of Teranga.
An experienced, settled squad led by the veterans Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye is complemented by the many fresh talents playing at the highest levels of the European game, such as Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr and Sunderland’s Habib Diarra. The Premier League connection is instructive: last year, Senegal became the first African team to beat England when they won 3-1 at the City Ground in Nottingham, and that famous result should give Pape Thiaw’s side plenty of confidence ahead of decisive clashes against European nations in France and Norway.
Thiaw was handed a five-game ban for leading his Senegal team off the pitch during the carnage of the Africa Cup of Nations final, although that punishment will not apply to World Cup games. Thiaw’s players kept their Afcon winner’s medals and they will enter the tournament with heads held high, believing they are African champions, and hoping for fewer obstacles to overcome.
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France tournament preview
17:28 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat’s French for firepower? Because oh la la there’s a lot of it in this Les Bleus squad. Before we get carried away, though, let’s remember that France managed just four goals at Euro 2024 and only one of them came from open play, in the 2-1 semi-final defeat to champions Spain. Kylian Mbappe was derailed by a broken nose, and the tactics of Didier Deschamps were considered to be overly cautious and restrictive.
This will be the last time Deschamps leads France at a tournament, after overseeing their 2018 World Cup victory and run to the final in Qatar, so how does he get the balance right this time? There has been a French evolution since Euro 2024, mainly due to the success of Paris Saint-Germain. The development of Osmanne Dembele into a Ballon d’Or winner brings another dimension. Then there’s Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki… tricks, dribbling, style. Get it right and France could be irresistible.
Deschamps, though, will be without the retired Antoine Griezmann, a key figure for his selfless work at the last World Cup. N’Golo Kante, at 35, will be tasked with holding the midfield together along with Aurelien Tchouameni, with his Real Madrid team-mate Eduardo Camavinga a notable omission that may leave France a little light in the middle. If Deschamps does not get his formula right it could be a decision that comes back to haunt him.
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