France vs Senegal – Prediction, where to watch, kick-off time and line-ups 16-06

France and Senegal kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign in this group stage encounter. The match takes place this Tuesday, 16 June, at 8 PM at MetLife Stadium near New York City.

While France are considered one of the tournament favourites, they will be wary of a Senegal side that famously beat them in their only previous World Cup meeting. This France vs. Senegal prediction points to a fascinating clash as both teams aim for a winning start.

Find out what our experts are predicting.

France vs. Senegal - Head-to-head record

The historical record between France and Senegal is remarkably concise, adding a layer of intrigue to their upcoming World Cup clash. These two national teams have faced each other on just one occasion, making their encounters a rare event in international football history.

That single meeting saw Senegal emerge victorious. The match was played in France, highlighting the significance of Senegal’s triumph away from home. Consequently, the head-to-head record for France vs. Senegal stands at one win for Senegal and no victories for France.

This extremely limited history means there are no extensive long-term trends to analyse, making the upcoming fixture highly unpredictable. Senegal maintains a flawless record against France, who are former world champions, as they prepare for this significant World Cup game.

France - Riding a wave of success

Let’s take a closer look at France’s current situation for their upcoming World Cup match against Senegal. We will analyse their recent performances, current form, and tactical approach. This analysis will also include the expected France vs. Senegal line-ups.

Recent form

France enters the World Cup in strong form and momentum, built over the past year. Their World Cup qualification campaign was impressive, including a 4-0 victory over Ukraine. Overall, Les Bleus have won 14 of their last 21 matches, showing consistent positive results.

Recent friendly matches offered a mixed but positive view of their readiness. A narrow 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast highlighted potential issues, but they also secured solid wins against Brazil and Colombia. Crucially, France enters this opening fixture with no reported injuries, meaning the coach has a full squad.

A fully fit squad is a significant advantage, allowing them to field their strongest side. With star players like Kylian Mbappé leading the line, the team’s confidence is high to impose their quality from the start. Their excellent form makes them strong favourites for this opening game.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for France

M. Maignan; J. Koundé, W. Saliba, D. Upamecano, T. Hernandez; A. Tchouaméni, A. Rabiot; O. Dembélé, M. Olise, D. Doué, K. Mbappé.

Manager: Didier Deschamps.

Senegal - Ready for the big stage

Let’s take a look at Senegal’s situation. We will analyse the team’s recent form, their expectations and the standout players for this opening match.

Recent form

Senegal arrives with a solid pedigree, having reached the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Their journey included impressive 1-0 victories over both Egypt and Mali, demonstrating their ability to perform in high-stakes tournament matches. Overall, they have won 14 of their last 21 games, establishing themselves as a formidable side.

However, their form in recent friendlies has been less consistent, raising some questions ahead of the tournament. A 3-2 defeat against the USA and a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia suggest some vulnerabilities may have appeared. In attack, they will look to players like C. Ndiaye to provide a goal threat and challenge the French defence.

It’s good that Koulibaly recovered from injury, as he was the last link in the chain completing this team’s lineup and boosting morale as one of the oldest players on the pitch.

Results of the last five matches

Probable line-up for Senegal

É. Mendy; K. Diatta, K. Koulibaly, M. Niakhaté, E. Diouf; L. Camara, P. Gueye, I. Sarr; I. Ndiaye, N. Jackson, Sadio Mané.

Manager: Pape Thiaw.

France vs. Senegal - Stats

• France have found the back of the net in each of their last eleven matches across all competitions.
• Senegal have been a relatively difficult side to beat, losing just four of their previous 21 international fixtures.
• The Senegalese defence has proven to be solid, keeping a clean sheet in five of their last ten games.
• France midfielder Kanté has provided one assist in his single appearance for the national team.

Predictions for France vs. Senegal - Les Bleus to start strong

France"s formidable attack, led by Kylian Mbappé, is in excellent form, having scored in their last eleven matches. We expect them to impose their quality early, making a “Half-Time Result" of a French lead a strong possibility.

While Senegal are a resilient side, the absence of defender Koulibaly is a major blow. This could open the door for France"s attack, suggesting a game with over 2.5 goals and a clear winner is a likely outcome.

Given France"s offensive firepower and Senegal"s key defensive weakness, our main prediction is for the French side to secure a comfortable victory, covering the “-1.5" handicap in the “Asian Handicap" market.

France x Senegal
Tip	Tip	Best Odd
Money Line	France to be winning at half-time	1.97 at BetMGM
Double Chance & Over/Under	No draw and over 2.5 goals in the match	at BetMGM

The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker"s site for up-to-date information.

Best markets to bet on France vs. Senegal

Discover more recommended bets on France vs. Senegal for this eagerly awaited encounter.

🔥 Double Chance & Total Goals: France or Draw & Over 1.5 - 0.00 at BetMGM

France are in great form, and Senegal are without a key defender, suggesting goals. A French victory seems likely, so combining a “France or Draw" outcome with “Over 1.5 Goals" covers probable scenarios.

🔥 Total Goals - 1st Half: Over 0.5 - 1.35 at BetMGM

France often attempts to score early due to their attacking quality. With their offensive power, a first-half goal is highly probable as they aim for control.

Where to watch France vs. Senegal?

Here is where to watch France vs. Senegal live:

• TV: BBC One UK
• Streaming: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Web, BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR)

France vs. Senegal - Match details

Check out the match details:

• Match: France vs. Senegal
• Competition: World Cup 2026
• Date: 16/06/2026
• Kick-off: 8 PM (BST)
• Venue: MetLife Stadium, United States
• Broadcast: BBC iPlayer, BBC One UK, BBC Sport Web, BBC Radio 5 Live (GBR)

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