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KEPRI, TRIBUNBATAM.id – The African representatives, Morocco, have delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco managed to hold Brazil to a draw, recording more shots on target than the five-time world champions.

In addition to Morocco, Egypt also held Belgium to a draw, while Cape Verde frustrated Spain to a goalless 0-0 result.

Senegal’s track record in the World Cup remains notable, particularly their famous victory over defending champions France in the 2002 tournament. This marks a rematch 24 years later.

Under coach Didier Deschamps, France enter this encounter with a mission to avenge the defeat that the coach himself experienced as a player back then.

Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, aim to prove that they can once again pull off a surprise and secure valuable points.

The current situation, however, is quite different. Les Bleus, as the French national team are known, possess superior individual quality, featuring last season’s top scorer Kylian Mbappe, along with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, who helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League.

Coach Didier Deschamps has learned from France’s earlier defeat to Ivory Coast in a pre-World Cup friendly.

As is typical of African teams known for their fighting spirit, physical strength, and endurance, Senegal are capable of playing all out for the entire match.

“The finer details of the game will be the key to victory for both teams,” said Kepri football analyst Chris Triwinasis on Tuesday (June 16, 2026).

Capitalising on opportunities and maintaining focus under pressure will be crucial for Mbappe and his teammates to dominate the game.

Likewise, the use of pace from Michael Olise and Doue in attack and counter-attacks, complemented by Mbappe’s speed, will likely be a prominent feature of France’s play.

The midfield battle will see Idrissa Gueye and Pape Sarr representing Senegal, while Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni will marshal the centre for France.

Deschamps’ experience in leading his team to two consecutive finals, in 2018 and 2022, gives France an additional advantage heading into this clash against Senegal.

“Group I also features the matchup between France and Algeria, as well as Iraq facing Norway,” added Chris.

Argentina vs Algeria:

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni prefers to create a relaxed atmosphere for his players, keeping them free from pressure.

This approach has been evident in their FIFA Matchday fixtures, where Argentina consistently faced opponents they were expected to beat on paper.

In their final two warm-up matches before departure, Argentina defeated both Honduras and Iceland with clean sheets.

“They beat Iceland 3-0 and Honduras 2-0,” explained Chris.

Seventeen players from the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, known as La Albiceleste, have been retained, ensuring strong team cohesion and chemistry.

“The presence of Lionel Messi is key, as he continues to chase new records,” he added.

The main question ahead of kickoff is whether the ‘Little Flea’, Messi’s famous nickname, will start or come off the bench as a substitute.

Algeria, on the other hand, will rely on their veteran star Riyad Mahrez as the driving force in attack to create scoring opportunities.

Besides the Argentina vs Algeria clash, Group J also features a tie between newcomers Jordan and European side Austria. (TRIBUNBATAM.id/ Ronnye Lodo Laleng)