France and Senegal renew famous World Cup rivalry
France begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal in New Jersey on Tuesday, with memories of one of the tournament's greatest upsets looming over the Group I encounter.
The sides famously met in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, when tournament debutants Senegal stunned defending champions France 1-0 in Seoul. More than two decades later, both nations arrive with ambitions of making a deep run in North America.
For France, the tournament represents Didier Deschamps' final World Cup as coach. The 57-year-old guided Les Bleus to glory in 2018 and came within a penalty shootout of lifting the trophy again in 2022, when Argentina prevailed in a dramatic final in Qatar.
France once again boast one of the strongest squads at the tournament. Captain Kylian Mbappe leads an attack that includes reigning 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise and Paris Saint-Germain forward Desire Doue.
Les Bleus qualified comfortably and are widely regarded as one of the leading contenders for the title, although Deschamps has insisted Spain enter the competition as favourites.
Senegal, meanwhile, have established themselves as one of Africa's most consistent international sides. The Teranga Lions reached the finals without suffering a defeat during qualification and are appearing at a third consecutive World Cup.
Sadio Mane is set to feature at the tournament for the first time since 2018 after injury ruled him out of Qatar 2022. The former Liverpool forward remains Senegal's biggest attacking threat and is expected to be joined in the frontline by Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr.
There is also a familiar face on the Senegal bench. Coach Pape Thiaw was part of the squad that stunned France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup and will now attempt to oversee another memorable result against Les Bleus.
With Norway and Iraq also in the group, neither side can afford a slow start.
France predicted lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Doue, Mbappe; Dembele
Senegal predicted lineup:
E Mendy; A Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Matar Sarr, P Gueye, L Camara; I Sarr, Jackson, Mane
