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World Cup 2026: France vs Senegal — Group I, June 16

▲ Peak Trend score: 94 Published: June 15, 2026 Updated: June 15, 2026

By Alexandre Le Hégarat datastats

France faces Senegal in their 2026 World Cup opener on June 16 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (3pm ET / 9pm Paris). It is a rematch of the famous 2002 upset when Senegal beat France 1-0. Group I also includes Iraq and Norway, with Kylian Mbappé leading Les Bleus.

The context

The 2026 World Cup’s most anticipated early fixture for French supporters arrives on June 16: France vs Senegal at MetLife Stadium, the very stadium that will host the final on July 19. This is not just an opening group-stage match — it carries the weight of history. In 2002, Senegal produced one of the greatest World Cup upsets of all time, beating France 1-0 in the tournament opener in Seoul, knocking out the reigning world and European champions. Every French fan remembers that day; every Senegalese supporter will invoke it going into kickoff.

Twenty-four years on, the context is very different. Kylian Mbappé, one of the most feared forwards on the planet, leads a France side that reached the 2022 final and has the depth and experience to go all the way in 2026. Manager Didier Deschamps has built his team around Mbappé’s explosive pace and finishing, with Antoine Griezmann and a disciplined defensive unit behind him. France enter as clear Group I favorites.

Senegal, however, are no pushovers. They reached the Round of 16 in 2022 in Qatar and have the quality across the pitch to trouble any side. Group I is completed by Iraq and Norway — making it a genuinely open group where France will need to be at their best from the first whistle. The match kicks off at 3pm ET (9pm Paris) on June 16, with the entire French nation watching.

People also ask

When does France play at the 2026 World Cup?#
France's first match at the 2026 World Cup is against Senegal on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 3pm ET (9pm Paris time / 8pm UTC). The venue is MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. France then face Iraq on June 22 in Philadelphia, and Norway on June 26 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
What group is France in at the 2026 World Cup?#
France are in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Group I matches are played across MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ), Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA), and Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA).
Did Senegal beat France at a previous World Cup?#
Yes — in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, Senegal defeated France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup in Seoul, South Korea on June 1, 2002. Papa Bouba Diop scored the only goal. France, the reigning world and European champion, were eliminated in the group stage while Senegal reached the quarter-finals.
Where is France vs Senegal being played at the 2026 World Cup?#
France vs Senegal on June 16, 2026 is played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — the same stadium that will host the World Cup Final on July 19. It is the largest stadium in the tournament, with a capacity of around 82,500.
Who are France's key players at the 2026 World Cup?#
Kylian Mbappé remains France's talisman and the player in sharpest form heading into the tournament. Antoine Griezmann provides experience and creativity in midfield. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been one of Europe's best. Manager Didier Deschamps has named a strong squad, with Mbappé, Griezmann, and their supporting cast expected to push France deep into the knockout rounds.
Who manages France at the 2026 World Cup?#
France are managed by Didier Deschamps, who led them to the 2018 World Cup title in Russia. He remains one of the longest-serving managers in international football and is aiming to add a second World Cup to his CV.
Can France win the 2026 World Cup?#
Yes — France are widely rated among the favorites for the 2026 World Cup. They have Kylian Mbappé, arguably the best player in the world, and a deep squad with experience from reaching the 2022 final (where they lost to Argentina on penalties). A successful run through Group I — featuring Senegal, Iraq, and Norway — would set up a strong knockout campaign.
What are France's Group I fixtures at the 2026 World Cup?#
France's three group-stage matches are: June 16 vs Senegal (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford NJ, 3pm ET); June 22 vs Iraq (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, time TBC); June 26 vs Norway (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough MA, time TBC). The top two teams from Group I, plus potentially the best third-placed side, advance to the Round of 32.
Where to watch France vs Senegal in France?#
In France, the match is broadcast on M6 (free-to-air) and beIN Sports 1 on June 16 at 9pm Paris time. M6 is the free channel; beIN Sports requires a subscription. Check local listings for the latest broadcast details.

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