France vs Senegal: a 2002 rematch at MetLife

One of the most anticipated group matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place at MetLife Stadium: France and Senegal meet again after the unforgettable opening game of the 2002 World Cup. Group I, which also features Norway and Iraq, was dubbed the "Group of Death" when the draw was made.

Didier Deschamps's France are among the strongest contenders to win a third world title this summer. After losing the 2022 final to Argentina, Les Bleus aim to become only the third nation to reach three successive World Cup finals. Their attacking power is staggering: alongside Kylian Mbappé are Ballon d'Or candidate Michael Olise and holder Ousmane Dembélé. Mbappé also has the chance to become the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer at this tournament.

Senegal, ranked 15th, remain a major force. Aliou Cissé's side came through qualifying unbeaten and still hope to be reinstated as 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions. However, their warm-up matches were underwhelming: beaten 3-2 by the USA and unable to break down Saudi Arabia, Senegal must produce a far higher level against France. Their biggest weapon is Sadio Mané, who missed 2022 through injury. Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson and Ismaïla Sarr also carry a threat in attack.

Senegal's defence, though, is a question mark: since that historic 1-0 win in 2022, they have failed to keep a single World Cup clean sheet. That offers an opening for France's star-studded attack.

With both teams having navigated qualifying comfortably, this match is crucial to the shape of the group. Deschamps must strike the right balance; otherwise, Group I's opponents are good enough to punish any flaws in transition. SI.com's prediction favours France: 3-1.

Predicted XIs
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé
Senegal (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Camara, P. Gueye; Sarr, Ndiaye, Mané; Jackson

Source: SI.com
Image: SI.com