The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues on June 16 as France take on Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium for their Group I showdown.
Group I
Kick-off time
Wednesday,17 June | 03:00 (GMT+8)
The match
A fixture steeped in memories, with Senegal having memorably defeated then reigning champions France 1-0 in the tournament opener at Korea/Japan 2002. Les Bleus, who rolled through European qualifying, will be looking to kick off their first World Cup on American soil on a positive note in their search for their third successive final. Senegal, for their part, were equally as impressive in the African preliminaries and, having reached the round of 16 at Qatar 2022, will be sure to put up another fight.
France possible starting XI
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise; Mbappe, Dembele, Doue
Senegal possible starting XI
E. Mendy; A. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Matar Sarr, P. Gueye, L. Camara; I. Sarr, Jackson, Mane
What they said…
“[A good start] it’s important, very important, because it’s the first match, but that’s true for every team in the competition. After that, no, it’s not decisive, because there are still two more matches to play. Even statistically, the last world champion lost its opening match. That didn’t stop them from becoming world champions. But ideally, starting with a win in a four-team group is the best possible scenario. That’s always the objective when approaching the first match.” Didier Deschamps, France coach
“I’m feeling good within this group. It’s true that eight years have passed since the [my] last World Cup. There has been quite a bit of turnover in the squad. Today, after almost two years away and then another year away, I’m enjoying being back here. We all share the same goal of doing well in this competition. My role is to be part of the group and help bring everyone together around that objective. Everyone matters. Everyone is important. Everyone feels involved and fully focused on the overall goal.” N’Golo Kante, France midfielder
“Would it be a surprise if Senegal were to beat France? For me, no. Because we have world-class players in this team. 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. I know how hard my team works. We take things one match at a time. We’re going to play very difficult matches against very good teams, especially considering the quality of the teams in our group. This is a World Cup, and I believe every team here has earned its place. In football, I don’t like talking about surprises. Teams have worked hard to be here, and we’re going to play every match with the intention of winning it.” Pape Thiaw, Senegal coach
Previous World Cup meetings
As reigning world and European champions, who had also won the FIFA Confederations Cup 2001™, France were expected to make light work of newcomers Senegal in Seoul in the curtain-raiser of the 2002 edition. However, a badly out-of-sorts French team flattered to deceive at both ends of the pitch and were knocked off their stride by the fearless Lions of Teranga, who served up one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history with a 1-0 win courtesy of the late Papa Bouba Diop.
New York New Jersey Stadium
The showpiece stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final currently hosts the National Football League’s New York Giants and New York Jets, and was the venue for the final of the 2016 Copa America Centenario, when Chile defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina on penalties. Numerous A-list performers have featured at New York New Jersey Stadium, including Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
The venue was the centrepiece for the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ as fans from across the globe tuned in to see Chelsea’s thrilling 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, while the semi-finals, one quarter-final and five Group Stage fixtures also took place here.