France vs Senegal Predictions - FIFA World Cup 2026

Match Details

Date: June 17, 2026, at 05:00 am
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New York, USA.

Current Betting Odds

France – $1.44
Draw – $4.50
Senegal – $7.70

France vs Senegal Preview

In a repeat of one of the most famous opening games in World Cup history, France take on Senegal once more, as both sides chase strong starts to their 2026 campaigns.

Back in 2002, then holders France were shocked by World Cup debutants Senegal, a seismic result at the time, which put Senegalese football on the map.

24 years on, these two nations meet once again, and the stakes will be sky high from the outset in Group I.

Having won the tournament in 2018 and lost in an agonising final in 2022, France’s stock as one of the best sides on the planet is unquestioned.

Senegal will see this as a free hit to open their tournament, with matches against Iraq and Norway to come in Group I.

This should be a fascinating battle and here is a look ahead to France vs Senegal:

Best Bet

France to win the match @ $1.44

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While the heartache of losing to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final will still sting for France, they will be ready to set the record straight this time around.

Across major tournament football in recent years, they have been one of the most consistent sides on the planet, helped by continuity in their managerial department.

Didier Deschamps remains the national team manager, a man who knows what it takes to win World Cups, both as a player and as a manager.

This young and vibrant squad houses some of the brightest talents on the planet and with French domestic football also excelling, it is a hugely exciting time for French football.

Senegal have some experienced players in their ranks, and they will be well organised but France have so many options that they should find a way to win this game comfortably in New York.

Same Game Multi Bet

France to win the match & over 3.5 goals in the game @ $2.90

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One of the key facets to the French squad is the array of attacking talents they have at their disposal.

Star striker Kylian Mbappe remains the key figurehead at the top of the pitch and if fit, he will be ready to make an impact for his country once again.

Beyond him, the likes of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and Desire Doue are just some of the incredible creative forces they have in their ranks.

Consequently, Deschamps may opt for an attacking line up for this French side, as they look to outscore the opposition, no matter who it is.

Senegal will play their part, and they look decent value to at least score but no matter how many times they do, France will back themselves to get the job done.

Best Value Bet

A penalty to be awarded @ $3.00

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This is high stakes football from the outset in New York and both France and Senegal will be bang up for this one from the first whistle.

As mentioned, France’s list of attacking talents is frankly frightening and they will be looking to go at the Senegalese defence and cause them to make mistakes.

With FIFA’s penalty rules famously more relaxed than some UEFA competitions, a penalty award in this match looks pretty decent value.

Sports Writer

Sam Hayes

Combining his sports coaching career with freelance journalism, Sam is a sports betting writer for various online publications.

He is looking to develop both his respective coaching and writing careers, whilst incorporating his other huge passion - travelling the world.

Sam currently lives and works in Milan, Italy and playing/following/writing about cricket, football (soccer), tennis, formula 1 and golf continue to take up much of his spare time.