Key facts
- Senegalese fans are expected to attend the World Cup match against France despite visa denials.
- France coach Didier Deschamps considers Spain the favorite to win the World Cup.
- Kylian Mbappe faces criticism regarding his leadership and recent performance.
- Didier Deschamps is nearing a World Cup coaching record.
- Senegal coach Pape Thiaw stated that the Africa Cup of Nations final controversy is behind the team.
- Senegal aims to replicate their 2002 World Cup upset against France.
France is set to face Senegal in their opening World Cup match, a fixture that echoes their 2002 encounter where Senegal secured a surprising victory, leading to France's early exit. The current French team, led by captain Kylian Mbappe, is under pressure following a trophyless season for Mbappe and questions surrounding his leadership. Despite this, teammates like Ousmane Dembele have defended him, calling the criticism unfair. Coach Didier Deschamps, nearing a coaching record and a potential departure after the tournament, has identified Spain as the World Cup favorite, tempering expectations for his own squad which includes several World Cup debutants. Meanwhile, Senegalese fans are expected to attend in significant numbers, even with some facing visa denials from the US government, due to a strong local community and national pride. Coach Pape Thiaw has emphasized that past controversies, such as the Africa Cup of Nations final incident, are behind the team as they focus on the World Cup.