A rematch of the historic 2002 upset looms as tournament favorites France look to open their 2026 World Cup campaign with a statement win against African powerhouse Senegal in New York.
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Match
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France vs. Senegal (Group I) |
| Date | Tuesday, June 16, 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Venue | New York New Jersey Stadium |
| TV | FOX / FOX Sports App |
History has a funny way of repeating itself in the beautiful game. Twenty-four years after Senegal sent shockwaves through the footballing world by stunning then-defending champions France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, the two nations are set to clash again.
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Les Bleus and the Lions of Teranga will face off in their Group I opener at the New York New Jersey Stadium, setting the stage for one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the tournament's opening week.
The Teams Entering 2026
France arrives in North America seeking redemption. After lifting the trophy in 1998 and 2018, Didier Deschamps' men suffered a devastating, unforgettable penalty shootout defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final in Qatar.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the FIFA world rankings, France is the outright betting favorite (+425) to win the entire tournament. They cruised through UEFA Group D qualification to secure a direct berth, boasting a roster overflowing with generational talent, spearheaded by arguably the best player on the planet: Kylian Mbappé.
Senegal, however, is not a team to be underestimated. They have firmly established themselves as one of Africa's premier footballing nations. Highlighting their recent pedigree is a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title and a run to the Round of 16 in Qatar 2022. With a squad heavily populated by players starring in Europe’s top domestic leagues, Senegal enters the 2026 World Cup as arguably the strongest side representing the African continent.
Match Odds & Betting Lines
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 16.
Moneyline
| Outcome | Odds | Payout (on $10 bet) |
|---|---|---|
| France to Win | -200 | $15.00 |
| Senegal to Win | +550 | $65.00 |
| Draw | +340 | $44.00 |
Goal Totals (Over/Under 2.5)
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 Goals | -115 |
| Under 2.5 Goals | -105 |
| Both Teams to Score: Yes | -102 |
| Both Teams to Score: No | -126 |
Anytime Goalscorer Props
If you're looking to back individual brilliance, all eyes are on the French captain. Kylian Mbappé leads the board at +110 to score at any point during the match. He is closely followed by Jean-Philippe Mateta (+180) and Ousmane Dembélé (+180). For Senegal, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson represents the best value to find the back of the net at +450.
⚽ Official Pick & Prediction
The Pick: France to Win First Half & Full Time
According to FOX Sports Research, historical trends weigh heavily in France's favor. Mbappé enters the match just one goal shy of tying the French national team scoring record. Historically, when Mbappé scores, France doesn't lose—they hold a staggering 26-match unbeaten streak (24-2-0 W-D-L) when he finds the net, including 13 consecutive victories.
Furthermore, France's front-running capability is unparalleled. Les Bleus have never lost a World Cup match when leading at halftime, boasting an immaculate 26-1-0 all-time record in such scenarios, with nine straight wins.
While Senegal possesses the physicality and tactical acumen to frustrate the French midfield, expect Deschamps' squad to come out fast, exercise their attacking demons from the 2022 final, and score quickly en route to a comfortable opening victory.
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