France vs Senegal 2026 World Cup: Date, Time, Venue, Odds, Prediction & How to Watch
France and Senegal will open Group I in a mouth-watering 2026 FIFA World Cup clash that promises attacking flair and tactical intensity. France, one of the tournament favorites, boast a star-studded squad led by Kylian Mbappé and supported by a deep pool of world-class talent.
Senegal, a consistent African powerhouse and 2022 quarter-finalists, bring physicality, speed on the counter, and experienced players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mané (if selected), and Édouard Mendy.
This is a rematch of the infamous 2002 World Cup opener (where Senegal famously beat defending champions France) and adds extra spice to Group I, which also includes Norway (with Erling Haaland) and the winner of the inter-confederation playoff (Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname).
France are expected to top the group, while Senegal are strong contenders for second place and a knockout-stage spot. Expect a competitive, high-energy encounter in a massive venue packed with passionate fans from both nations.
France and Senegal Full Group I Schedule
France’s Group Stage Fixtures:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 — France vs Senegal, 3:00 PM ET, New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
Monday, June 22, 2026 — France vs FIFA Playoff 2 Winner, 5:00 PM ET, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Friday, June 26, 2026 — Norway vs France, 3:00 PM ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Senegal’s Group Stage Fixtures:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 — France vs Senegal, 3:00 PM ET, New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
Monday, June 22, 2026 — Norway vs Senegal, 8:00 PM ET, New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
Friday, June 26, 2026 — Senegal vs FIFA Playoff 2 Winner, 3:00 PM ET, BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
When is France vs Senegal 2026 World Cup?
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Where is France vs Senegal 2026 World Cup?
New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. This iconic NFL venue in the New York metropolitan area offers a huge capacity and an electric atmosphere for this high-profile Group I opener.
When does the France vs Senegal game start?
Local time (New York/New Jersey – EDT): 3:00 PM
Eastern Time (ET): 3:00 PM
France Time (Paris): 9:00 PM (21:00)
Senegal Time (Dakar): 7:00 PM (19:00)
UK Time (BST): 8:00 PM
This afternoon kickoff in the US provides a prime evening slot for European and African viewers.
How to watch France vs Senegal 2026 World Cup?
United States: English: FOX with live streaming on the FOX Sports App, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or other FOX-affiliated services.
Spanish: Telemundo or Universo, with full streaming on Peacock (which carries all 104 matches in Spanish).
United Kingdom:
Shared free-to-air coverage on BBC or ITV (exact channel and streaming via iPlayer/ITVX confirmed closer to the date).
France: Likely TF1 or beIN Sports.
Senegal: Local rights holders (e.g., DStv or equivalent).
Global live updates and select content available via FIFA+. Many broadcasters stream the first 10 minutes free on YouTube.
France vs Senegal odds, picks, prediction
Moneyline Odds
France to win: Around 1.40–1.65 (heavy favorites, -250 to -150)
Draw: Around 3.70–4.20 (+270 to +320)
Senegal to win: Around 5.50–7.50 (+450 to +650)
Picks and Prediction:
France hold a strong 60–68% win probability in most models. The most likely outcomes are a France victory (projected scores: 2-0, 2-1, or 1-0). Betting value often lies in France to win to nil or Under 2.5 goals, as Senegal are expected to defend compactly and hit on the break. While Senegal’s organization and athleticism can cause problems (as seen in 2002), France’s superior squad depth, attacking quality, and recent pedigree should see them start the tournament with a win.
Tournament context:
France remain among the top favorites to win the 2026 World Cup outright (around +700 to +800). Senegal are longer shots (~ +6600 to +10000) but capable of reaching the knockout rounds and causing upsets.This Group I opener promises excitement, star power, and early drama in a historic venue.
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