France vs Senegal Betting Tips: World Cup Best Bets

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing already. Huge scores on day four were followed by four straight draws on day five, with all of Cape Verde, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand upsetting the odds to hold Spain, Belgium, Uruguay and Iran respectively.

Now, it is the time of favourites France to kick off their campaign. Not always the fastest starters, they will have to be at their best as they face a dangerous Senegal side, who infamously beat them in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.

France vs Senegal Prediction

It has been 14 games since France last failed to score, in a tricky Nations League away trip to Croatia. In contrast to the Euro 2024 team, which somehow reached the semi-finals without scoring from open play, Les Bleus now play to the strengths of their extraordinary attack. They have comfortably the most complete compliment of attackers.

2022 Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe will play alongside Ballon d'Or hero Ousmane Dembele and the sensational, in-form Michael Olise. It is no surprise that, in that run of 14 games, there has only been one occasion where they have failed to score twice. That did come in a recent 2-1 warm-up defeat to the Ivory Coast, but they were 1-0 up with their first choice XI involved in the first half.

Nevertheless, that defeat does speak to their defensive vulnerabilities. They have a firm foundation with William Saliba and Sayot Upamecano, but both teams have scored France's last five fixtures. Clearly, something about their set-up leaves them slightly exposed. Senegal are value to spring forward with Iliman N'Diaye, Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr all dangerous, counter-attacking players.

Their goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, in which striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off, was the first time they had failed to score in 12 matches. While there will naturally be some cagey World Cup nerves, both teams should pack a punch here. France may simply overwhelm their way to the title and with Olise in the best form of any player on the planet, he could be the difference-maker.

Prediction: France 3-1 Senegal

France Team News

The significant decision awaiting Deschamps is whether to start Saliba at centre back. The Arsenal man is now first choice for his nation, but arrived to the squad unfit after such a busy schedule to end his club season. It would be a surprise if Saliba did not appear on the teamsheet, but it is possible Deschamps may save him with Ibrahima Konate an alternative.

Otherwise, the only potential weakness comes in the full back areas. Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez are likely to play, though the former has been indifferent at club level. Upamecano will join his club teammate Hernandez at the back while N'Golo Kante's legs may be saved from the bench. Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni are usually Deschamps midfield generals.

Then, further forward, is where the magic happens. Mbappe will be the central striker, with Olise tending to play more centrally than he does for Bayern Munich. Dembele may dovetail and switch positions with him from the right, while Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki will be one last selection headache. The PSG winger may be preferred as the better fit.

Expected France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe

Senegal Team News

Senegal's will be one of the least predictable XIs to call. Against the United States, they played a back three, which left them exposed, but did allow them to attack with venom. Conversely, they were steadier with a back four against Saudi Arabia, but lacked bit in attack.

Givens stability may be required to contain their opponents, the back four is likelier here. As such, West Ham's El Hadji Malick Diouf is the number one left back, with former Chelsea man Kalidou Koulibaly commanding the defence, with Moussa Niakhate his probable partner.

Sunderland's Habib Diarra edged a starting spot over Pape Matar Sarr against Saudi Arabia and should do again. Idrissa Gana Gueye, of Everton, offers experience in that area, as Mane does in attack. Only one of N'Diaye and Sarr will can fill the right wing berth as Jackson should be the focal point. N'Diaye tends to be more in favour.

Expected Senegal XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Gueye, Gueye, Diarra; Mane, Jackson, N'Diaye

France vs Senegal Head-To Head

There has only been one meeting between France and Senegal in the past. Remember it?

In one of the great World Cup shocks, Senegal won 1-0 to open the 2002 tournament held in South Korea and Japan. France were defending champions, as well as European champions from 2000. Papa Bouba Diop's goal ensured a stunning upset, with France ultimately knocked out in the group stage without scoring a goal.

Who Is The Referee For France vs Senegal?

Iranian Alireza Faghani will take charge of this contest. This will be his third World Cup as an official.

Faghani was in charge of one of the most memorable games at the 2018 World Cup and it featured France. He refereed their 4-3 last 16 victory against Argentina, while he took charge of Portugal and Uruguay's group stage clash in Qatar.

Where is France vs Senegal Being Played?

France vs Senegal will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The arena will host the World Cup final in July and boasts a capacity over 82,000.

France vs Senegal Frequently Asked Questions