Key facts
- Senegal and France are set to play their first World Cup match against each other since 2002.
- The 2002 encounter saw Senegal upset France, leading to France's early exit from the tournament.
- Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw aims to channel the spirit of the late 2002 coach Bruno Metsu.
- France's N'Golo Kante views the match as a test of the team's internal cohesion.
- France coach Didier Deschamps dismissed notions of seeking revenge for the 2002 loss.
- Both teams have minor injury concerns but are expected to field strong lineups.
Senegal is set to face France in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, a fixture laden with historical and symbolic significance. This encounter marks the first time the two nations have met on the World Cup stage since Senegal's stunning 1-0 upset victory over the then-defending champions France in 2002, a result that preceded France's ignominious group-stage exit.
Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, who was part of the 2002 squad, aims to channel the lessons learned from the late Bruno Metsu, the architect of that historic win. Thiaw emphasized the symbolic nature of the match, given Senegal's colonial past with France.
On the French side, coach Didier Deschamps has sought to temper any talk of revenge, noting that most of his current players were not born in 2002. Midfielder N'Golo Kante, returning from injury, highlighted the importance of internal team cohesion and focus, stating that their primary opponent is themselves.
Both teams have some injury considerations. Senegal's Idrissa Gueye is expected to play despite an early training session withdrawal, while Cherif Ndiaye is a doubt. France has seen William Saliba return to full training, and Jules Kounde has recovered from a recent knock.
The match, scheduled for 3pm local time at the New York New Jersey Stadium, is the opening fixture of Group I. Senegal, ranked 16th globally, are considered Africa's top side, having won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022. However, they were controversially awarded a 3-0 forfeit win in this year's final against Morocco after a penalty dispute led to a team walk-off.