France begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Tuesday when they take on Senegal in a fascinating Group I encounter. We have a betting preview, the best bets and a prediction for this game.
ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions: Winners, Awards & Best Bets.
The 2018 world champions enter the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, boasting a squad packed with world-class talent led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. Senegal, meanwhile, arrive as one of Africa’s strongest representatives and will be hoping to replicate the giant-killing exploits that stunned the football world in 2002 when they defeated France in the opening match of that World Cup.
With Norway and Iraq also lurking in Group I, both sides will be desperate to start their tournament with three points.
Betting Preview
France once again enter a World Cup among the leading contenders.
Didier Deschamps is managing his final major tournament and possesses arguably the deepest squad in international football. Les Bleus reached the 2022 World Cup final and have continued to produce elite-level performances, with Mbappé remaining one of the most dangerous players on the planet. The French captain heads into the tournament with 12 World Cup goals, just four shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament record.
1.47
France vs Senegal
France
Match Result
Odds are subject to change.
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France’s attacking options are frightening. Alongside Mbappé, Deschamps can call upon Dembélé, Olise, Désiré Doué and a host of elite midfielders capable of controlling matches. France have scored two or more goals in nine of their last 10 matches, highlighting the threat they pose in the final third.
Senegal, however, will not be intimidated. The Lions of Teranga remain one of Africa’s most consistent sides and possess a strong spine featuring Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Nicolas Jackson. Many analysts consider Senegal to be France’s biggest challenger in Group I, with their blend of physicality, experience and counter-attacking quality making them dangerous opponents.
7.05
France vs Senegal
Senegal
Match result
Odds are subject to change.
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The key battle could be whether Senegal can contain France’s attacking firepower while remaining a threat on the break.
Recent Form & Stats
France
- FIFA World Cup winners in 1998 and 2018.
- Reached the final in 2022.
- Have reached the final in two of the last three World Cups.
- Scored multiple goals in nine of their last 10 matches.
- Kylian Mbappé has scored 12 World Cup goals in just 14 appearances.
Senegal
- Reached the quarter-finals in 2002.
- Have qualified for four FIFA World Cups.
- Remain one of Africa’s highest-ranked and most experienced teams.
- Possess proven performers in both defence and attack.
Head-To-Head
This fixture will forever be remembered for Senegal’s famous 1-0 victory over defending champions France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
That remains one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history and helped launch Senegal’s memorable run to the quarter-finals.
Best Bets & Predictions
Best Bet: France To Win at 1.47.
Alternative Bet: BTTS – Yes at 2.09.
Value Bet: France To Win & BTTS at 3.25.
