France vs. Senegal Picks – World Cup Group I Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jun 16) 

• When: Tuesday, June 16, 2026. 3:00 PM ET
• Where: New York New Jersey Stadium, USA
• How to Watch: FOX

France vs. Senegal World Cup Preview

Two of the leading nations to qualify from Group I at this summer’s World Cup collide on matchday one in New York, New Jersey, as France look to get off to a perfect start to the competition when they take on the talented African nation of Senegal.

ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026: Our Experts Share Their World Cup Picks

France Stats & Team News

France will be among the leading contenders to win the World Cup this summer after reaching the last two finals. Didier Deschamps will have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal at the top of the field, headlined by Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 56 goals in 98 international appearances.

Michael Olise was the standout performer in a recent win, scoring three times in a victory over Northern Ireland. France’s consistency will make them hard to oppose this summer, especially considering that they have won five of their previous six.

Likely Lineup:

(4-3-3) Maignan (GK); Kounde, Konate, Upamecano, Hernandez; Rabiot, Kante, Kone; Olise, Mbappe, Dembele

Senegal Stats & Team News

Pape Thiaw’s Senegal will have a leading chance of progression in Group I this summer. The African nation won AFCON earlier this year, before the match was eventually awarded to Morocco. Senegal’s form is excellent, winning five of their seven internationals in 2026.

They have the quality to compete against the very best nations in the world, reflected by a 3-1 away win against England last summer. Their attacking players should shine on the counterattack, with Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye having the pace to hurt opponents.

Likely Lineup:

(4-3-3) Mendy (GK); Sarr, Koulibaly, Jakobs, Diouf; Gueye, Sarr, Camara; Mane, Jackson, Sarr

Head-to-Head Stats

• Senegal won the only head-to-head encounter between these nations in the opening fixture of the 2002 World Cup.

France vs. Senegal World Cup Picks

I have reservations about France’s midfield this summer, especially against teams that boast prowess on the counterattack. Therefore, at a big price, Senegal could be a good value selection when making a pick to replicate their heroic win from 2002.

• Senegal (+635)