World Cup 2026: France vs Senegal Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

France begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kickoff at 21:00 CAT on Tuesday, June 16. The two nations met on the opening day of the 2002 finals, when Senegal stunned the reigning champions, and France will be wary of one of the strongest African sides in the field. Kylian Mbappe leads a star-studded French attack, while Senegal carry pace and power through Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

France

France are favourites in this game and among the favourites to win the tournament, and from my point of view manager Didier Deschamps has the attacking talent to win this even if the back line looks vulnerable at times. Mbappe arrives just two goals short of becoming France's all-time leading scorer and has the freedom to drift left and combine, with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise providing width and a one against one threat. Aurelien Tchouameni shields the defence while Adrien Rabiot supplies the running through midfield. I expect France to score at least twice, but a clean sheet is far from guaranteed against this opposition.

Predicted Lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe.

Senegal

Senegal are no ordinary opponent and in my opinion Pape Thiaw's side have the pace and physicality to hurt a French defence that has looked vulnerable recently. Nicolas Jackson leads the line with movement and Iliman Ndiaye links play from the number ten role, with Sadio Mane still a threat from the left. Kalidou Koulibaly anchors a strong defensive unit and the midfield engine of Idrissa Gueye gives them control. I expect the Teranga Lions to back themselves to score and to test France on the break.

Predicted Lineup: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane.

I expect an open, entertaining game with France's superior firepower proving decisive, but Senegal carry enough threat to find the net at least once. Mbappe and Dembele should create plenty of opportunities, while at the other end of the field the French defence will be tested on the counter. My forecast: France 2 Senegal 1.

BTTS: Yes (2.08)

I am backing BTTS: Yes and my read on this is that Senegal's pace through Jackson and Mane will trouble a French backline that has looked leaky, while France should score against most defences. Both teams carry genuine attacking quality and the memory of 2002 adds extra edge. At 2.08 there is real value in both sides finding the net.