France vs Senegal Tips, Odds & Prediction: World Cup 2026

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when this preview was written.

France open their 2026 FIFA World Cup account against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, kicking off at 21:00 CAT on Tuesday, June 16. These two sides clashed on the first day of the 2002 tournament, when Senegal shocked the holders, so France will be cautious of one of the best African teams at the finals. Kylian Mbappe heads a French front line packed with stars, while Senegal bring speed and strength through Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane. Our full set of World Cup betting tips is in our dedicated section.

France

France go into this game as favourites and are also among the leading contenders for the trophy, and as I see it Didier Deschamps has enough attacking quality to win even though his defence can look shaky at times. Mbappe is only two goals away from becoming France's record scorer and is free to drift to the left and link up, while Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise stretch the pitch and offer a one against one threat. Aurelien Tchouameni protects the back line and Adrien Rabiot provides the legs in the middle. I think France will score two or more, but keeping a clean sheet against this side is no given.

Expected Lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe.

Senegal

Senegal are far from an easy opponent, and I believe Pape Thiaw's team have the speed and physical presence to trouble a French defence that has looked shaky of late. Nicolas Jackson leads the attack with clever runs and Iliman Ndiaye connects the play in the number ten position, while Sadio Mane remains dangerous from the left. Kalidou Koulibaly marshals a strong defence, and Idrissa Gueye drives the midfield and keeps them in control. I think the Teranga Lions will fancy their chances of scoring and will look to catch France on the counter.

Expected Lineup: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane.

I see this being an open and lively contest in which France's greater attacking power makes the difference, though Senegal have enough about them to score at least once. Mbappe and Dembele ought to create lots of chances, while at the other end the French back line will be put under pressure on the break. My forecast: France 2 Senegal 1.

BTTS: Yes (2.08)

My pick is BTTS: Yes, because I think Senegal's speed through Jackson and Mane will cause problems for a French defence that has been leaking goals, and France should find the net against almost anyone. Both sides have real quality going forward, and the history from 2002 gives the game an extra edge. At 2.08 there is strong value in backing both teams to score.