Group I standings
View full Group I →
What each team needs
France
A win in their opening match would put France in a strong position to advance from Group I.
Senegal
An opening win over France would be a major statement and strengthen Senegal's chances of progressing.
Team comparison
| Stat | France | Senegal |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA Ranking | 3 | 17 |
| World Cup Titles | 2 | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 17 | 4 |
| Best WC Finish | Champions (1998, 2018) | Quarterfinals (2002) |
| Manager | Didier Deschamps | Pape Thiaw |
| How They Qualified | UEFA — Group D winners (unbeaten) | CAF — Group H winners |
| 2022 World Cup | Runners-up — lost to Argentina on pens | Round of 16 — lost to England |
| Captain | Kylian Mbappé | Kalidou Koulibaly |
Prediction
France 2 — 1 Senegal
Based on FIFA rankings and recent form. France (ranked 3th) enters as the slight favourite.
Match facts
France have appeared at 17 World Cups. Senegal have appeared at 4.
France are ranked 3th in the world. Senegal are ranked 17th.
France have won the World Cup 2 times.
This match takes place at MetLife Stadium, which is one of the 16 World Cup 2026 venues.
How to watch
| Region | Broadcast |
|---|---|
| USA (English) | FOX / FOX Sports App |
| USA (Spanish) | Telemundo / Peacock |
| UK | BBC / ITV (TBC) |
| Worldwide | FIFA+ (select territories) |
Venue
MetLife Stadium · East Rutherford · Capacity: 82,500
Full stadium guide →