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The opening clash of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises an intense battle as France take on Senegal in what is expected to be a tightly contested encounter.

This high-profile opener is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, kicking off at 02:00 WIB.

This meeting holds special significance as it marks the second World Cup finals encounter between France and Senegal after a 24-year gap.

History recalls their first meeting in the 2002 World Cup opener, where defending champions France suffered a shock 0-1 defeat to Senegal.

Current Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was part of that historic squad that famously stunned Les Bleus in the Korea-Japan tournament.

Thiaw has stated that it would not be surprising if Senegal manage to replicate that impressive result at the 2026 World Cup.

He exudes confidence, believing that his team boasts a roster of world-class players who have proven themselves in major international competitions.

In recent years, Senegal have demonstrated remarkable consistency, qualifying for three consecutive World Cups and reaching three finals in the last four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite acknowledging the difficulty of their group, the coach emphasized that his players will approach each match with determination and hard work.

On the opposing side, Didier Deschamps' France arrive with a stellar reputation, currently ranked third in the latest FIFA rankings.

Les Bleus are stacked with elite European club players, including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and William Saliba.

France will be eager to maintain their dominance on the world stage after winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia and finishing as runners-up in Qatar 2022.

Head-to-Head

Looking at their previous encounters, Senegal hold a psychological advantage after their narrow victory in their only World Cup meeting back in 2002.

However, considering recent form, France appear more stable compared to the Lions of Teranga, who suffered a heavy defeat to Morocco earlier this year.

Head-to-head record between France and Senegal in 2002:

• 31/05/2002: France 0-1 Senegal (2002 World Cup)

France – Last 5 Matches

• 09/06/2026: France 3-1 Northern Ireland (Friendly Match)
• 05/06/2026: France 1-2 Ivory Coast (Friendly Match)
• 30/03/2026: Colombia 1-3 France (Friendly Match)
• 27/03/2026: Brazil 1-2 France (Friendly Match)
• 17/11/2025: Azerbaijan 1-3 France (2026 World Cup Qualifier)

Senegal – Last 5 Matches

• 10/06/2026: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Senegal (Friendly Match)
• 01/06/2026: United States 3-2 Senegal (Friendly Match)
• 01/04/2026: Senegal 3-1 Gambia (Friendly Match)
• 28/03/2026: Senegal 2-0 Peru (Friendly Match)
• 19/01/2026: Senegal 0-3 Morocco (Africa Cup of Nations)

Predicted Line-ups: France vs Senegal

Both teams are expected to deploy a similar 4-2-3-1 formation as they battle for midfield control.

Didier Deschamps is likely to rely on the pace of Mbappe and Dembele, while Pape Thiaw will count on the experience of Sadio Mane and the sharpness of Nicolas Jackson in attack.

Projected line-ups for France vs Senegal:

France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe; Ousmane Dembele.

Coach: Didier Deschamps.

Senegal (4-2-3-1): Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Malick Diouf; Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mane; Nicolas Jackson.

Coach: Pape Thiaw.

France vs Senegal Score Prediction – 2026 World Cup

Considering the disparity in squad depth and FIFA rankings (France at 3rd vs Senegal at 15th), several leading sports outlets worldwide are backing Les Bleus to secure a win in this fixture.

France are predicted to neutralize Senegal’s ambitions with their attacking efficiency.

Predicted scorelines from various international media:

• Whocored: France 2-0 Senegal
• Sportsmole: France 3-1 Senegal
• Sports Illustrated: France 3-1 Senegal

Pangkalpinang Police Chief Confident 'Der Panzer' Will Lift the Trophy

The 2026 World Cup fever has also reached the city known as the City of a Thousand Smiles.

Germany’s positive results in their opening match have sparked waves of optimism from the head of the Pangkalpinang City Police (Polresta).

Police Chief AKBP Indra Wijatmiko publicly expressed his support and firm belief that the German national football team will emerge as champions in this year’s premier international tournament. The officer believes Julian Nagelsmann’s squad plays at a level above most competitors.

“At this moment, I am backing Germany to win the 2026 World Cup,” said AKBP Indra Wijatmiko on Monday (15 June 2026).

He added that the combination of experienced players and youthful energy is the main reason why Der Panzer deserve to be favourites this year.

“I choose Germany because their performance is excellent, and the team is full of world-class football stars,” he explained.

Given their strong start and favourable group composition, the Pangkalpinang Police Chief expressed confidence that his favourite team will advance deep into the tournament.

“I’m sure Germany will win, definitely win,” he concluded.