France vs Senegal prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
World Cup
In the 1st round of the World Cup on June 16, 2026, the national teams of France and Senegal will face each other. In such circumstances, the favorite has already lost before.
France vs Senegal: Team News and Expert Analysis
The French team confidently qualified for the World Cup, losing points only once in six qualifying matches — with Iceland in Reykjavik, where they finished in a draw. Their friendly matches also went well. In March, they defeated Brazil and Colombia. Before the tournament, they unexpectedly slipped up against Côte d'Ivoire, losing that match. Afterwards, they redeemed themselves against Northern Ireland with a 3-1 win.
Senegal also had no problems in qualifying, winning their group with 24 points from ten matches. They also claimed victory at the AFCON, but officials stripped them of the title, awarding Morocco a technical win in the final, as Morocco hosted the tournament. For the first time in a long while, they lost on the field only to the USA at the very end of spring. Against Saudi Arabia, they also disappointed, finishing with a goalless draw.
The European giant is strong right now, but while they score an average of 2.5 goals per game, they also concede a fair amount — 0.9 per game. The African powerhouse averages 1.7 goals scored and 0.6 conceded per match.
Previous Matches: France vs Senegal
In 2002, at the World Cup opener, the reigning European and World champions lost 0-1.
Deschamps is expected to seek revenge. However, the game is unlikely to be spectacular in any case — we expect "under 2.5 goals" (odds – 1.85).
France vs Senegal: Key Stats and Trends
- France has won nine of their last eleven matches
- 70% of France's matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 3.4
- Senegal has won two of their last five matches
- 40% of Senegal's matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.3
France vs Senegal: Probable Starting Lineups
France plays in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Maignan - Hernandez, Saliba, Upamecano, Kounde - Rabiot, Tchouameni - Doué, Dembélé, Olise - Mbappé
Senegal plays in a 1-3-4-3 formation (possible lineup): Mendy - Diouf, Niakhaté, Sarr - Diatta, Lamine Camara, Pathé Ciss, Diarra - Sadio Mané, Iliman Ndiaye, Chérif Ndiaye
Follow the World Cup standings and check your team's form before placing a bet on the next match.
