France v Senegal – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (16 June 2026)

France kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a fascinating and highly anticipated match against Senegal. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights and major fixtures scheduled for the first round of this World Cup. One of the tournament’s big favourites, France, and the African champions (on the pitch) are set to go head-to-head. Added to this are the nostalgic echoes of that 2002 match, where Senegal stunned the world by beating France 1-0 – a side that had arrived at the World Cup in Korea and Japan as reigning world champions.

Is France the favourite? It certainly is. The French side’s potential, particularly the options and versatility they offer in attack, is immense, but it is equally true that the burden of being favourites and the pressure could play a nasty trick on Didier Deschamps’s side, who will be stepping down after this World Cup.

Senegal are well aware that they have little to lose and much to gain in this match. Losing to France would be the expected outcome, but this side’s confidence is sky-high following their performance in the last Africa Cup of Nations, and they present a compact unit, featuring truly outstanding players (Koulibaly, Pape Gueye, Ilman Ndiaye, Sadio Mané, etc.). Let’s not rule out an upset. There should be goals at both ends given the attacking potential of both teams.

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Both teams to score

2.10

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