France are looking to at least make it three consecutive World Cup finals but they have had problems before when facing Senegal in their tournament opener.
Beaten finalists in 2022, France are expected to be serious contenders once again. Didier Deschamps is bringing his long reign to an end after this World Cup, and his side are seeking to become only the third country to make three consecutive finals.
However, their 2026 opener brings back some less joyous memories. They went into the 2002 World Cup as holders, but they were defeated in the tournament opener by Senegal, on their way to a group-stage exit.
Senegal could be a problem for the French again. After impressing in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, they are seen as potential dark horses this summer.
France v Senegal Bet Builder Tips
- Both teams to score @ 11/10
- Michael Olise 2+ shots on target @ 23/10
- Pape Gueye 1+ shots on target @ 9/5
Pays out at 14/1
France look more open than usual
We’re used to a safety-first approach from Deschamps, who was famously nicknamed the water carrier of their 1998 team. Despite their star-studded squad, France have largely played on the back foot across the last 14 years.
However, this version of France looks far more open, with their incredible forward line supported by an ageing midfield.
Both teams have scored in six of France’s last seven internationals. They suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to the Ivory Coast earlier this month, while they have conceded to the likes of Iceland, Azerbaijan, and Northern Ireland in that run.
Senegal touched down in North America and lost 3-2 to the USA in their first warm-up friendly. They have some good options in the attacking third, so back both teams to score when they meet in New Jersey.
Leg 1: Both teams to score @ 11/10
Olise can make a leap on the world stage
Mbappe remains the star turn for this French side, but the man in form is Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise. The former Crystal Palace man has 31 goal involvements for club and country in 2026, and he scored a hat-trick in their send-off clash with Northern Ireland.
Olise can take the next step forward on the world stage this summer, and his role as a 10 playing off Mbappe should give him a lot of freedom.
Senegal have a solid defensive set-up, but Olise will find pockets of space, and he’s backed to have at least two shots on target.
Leg 2: Michael Olise 2+ shots on target @ 23/10
AFCON standout to cause problems
With France expected to be a little more fragile at the back, Senegal can cause them some problems in their opener again.
Villarreal’s Pape Gueye was a standout for Senegal in their AFCON campaign earlier this year, and he finished that tournament with three goals, one of which was ruled out after their final victory was overturned, while he also had 10 shots on target from midfield.
He scored five times in La Liga this term, but he’s expected to have a bigger attacking role for his nation.
Gueye found his role early in that tournament, and he had a shot on target in four of his final five games in Morocco. He’s backed to have another effort on goal in New Jersey, and that caps this 14/1 Bet Buiilder.
Leg 3: Pape Gueye 1+ shots on target @ 9/5
