By the time tonight's Group I opener between France and Senegal gets underway at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — kick-off 3pm ET, 8pm UK — the biggest story of the day will already be set. France go in as the overwhelming favourites, ranked second in the world, carrying Kylian Mbappé in arguably the form of his life. Senegal, a side that has been quietly building under their coaching staff for two years, know they are the underdogs — but they also know that at this World Cup, the form book is already being ripped up. Spain just learned that the hard way.
Why France Are Difficult to Stop When Mbappé Is On Song
The numbers from France's qualifying campaign are striking. Five wins, one draw — and a goal tally that no other European qualifier matched. Mbappé has scored more goals across the last two World Cups than any other player on the planet, and at 27 he is reaching the peak of his powers. His pace in behind the defensive line is the single most dangerous weapon at this tournament, and he has N'Golo Kanté — still sharp at 35 — pulling the strings from deep, with Aurélien Tchouaméni adding physicality alongside him. When this France side functions, it is extremely difficult to play against because the threat runs through every third of the pitch simultaneously.
Senegal Are Not Here to Make Up the Numbers
Senegal qualified from a group where they dropped just three points in ten games. Their central defensive unit is organised and experienced. Kalidou Koulibaly's fitness has been a talking point heading into this match, and if he is anything short of 100 percent, France's coaching staff will have noted that as a specific target for Mbappé's runs. Senegal reached the quarter-finals in 2002 and nearly progressed from the round of 16 in Qatar. They carry players who understand big occasions and do not freeze.
Prediction: France Win, But Not Easy
France should have enough quality and depth to take three points, but after what happened to Spain, the smart money says Senegal will make them work every minute. If Koulibaly is fit and Senegal are disciplined in their defensive shape, France might need a moment of individual brilliance from Mbappé to break the deadlock. Expect a nervy 1-0 to France, with Mbappé's name on the scoresheet between the 65th and 80th minutes.
Preview facts: France vs Senegal | 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA | 16 June 2026. France world ranking: 2nd. Senegal world ranking: 20th.
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