France and Senegal open group I of the World Cup with a rematch of the classic 2002 World Cup opener.

France and Senegal kick off group I of the 2026 World Cup with a bit of history. Both teams were involved in the classic 2002 World Cup opener where Senegal announced themselves to the world and shocked France, who were defending champions, with a 1-0 win.

Senegal 2002

The team that took the 2002 FIFA World Cup by surprise 💥

In their first ever World Cup appearance, this team made it as far as that tournament’s quarter-final after defeating World Cup holders France in the opening game. pic.twitter.com/0cUeAqqgEp

— Rooted in the Game (@rootedinthegame) August 17, 2024

Drawing inspiration from that game and off the back of their 2026 AFCON run, where they won the title on the field before CAF overturned it, Senegal will be hoping they can create some magic and live up to their reputation as African champions. 

Senegal qualified for the World Cup without losing a single game and were on a 17-game winning streak until their recent 0-0 vs Saudi Arabia. 

France, on the other hand, are heavy favourites to win the World Cup.

With players like Olise, Mbappe, and the current Balon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele leading the pack, France have a packed squad that could torment any defence.  France dropped only two points in qualifying for the World Cup and can draw inspiration from winning the tournament in 2018 and finishing second in 2022. 

Although France look near perfect, their 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast gives the Teranga Lions of Senegal the belief that they can take a point or even go on to beat Les Blues.

France vs Senegal. We will be there. pic.twitter.com/d1xLGjQnm0

— VERSUS (@vsrsus) June 15, 2026

France vs Senegal Predicted XI

France Predicted XI

Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Doue, Mbappe; Dembele

Senegal Predicted XI

Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, P. Gueye; Sarr, Diarra, Mane; Jackson