Group I

France vs Senegal · World Cup 2026

Group I · Tuesday 16 June 2026 · MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford · 19:00 UK

Preview

Scene-setter

France face Senegal in matchday one of Group I at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford on 16 Jun 2026 (kickoff 19:00 UK).

Title chance

The model rates France's tournament title chance at 6.2%, Senegal's at 1.9%. A heavy strength gap on paper, the kind of fixture France are expected to navigate.

Squad snapshot

France's 26-man squad is confirmed (3/9/7/7 split). 24 of 26 play in Europe's top-five leagues. Most-capped: Kylian Mbappé (98 caps).

Senegal's squad is still provisional (28-man preliminary squad). Final 26 lands closer to kickoff.

What's not yet rendered

What's not yet rendered:

  • Confirmed starting XIs (drop ~60 min pre-kickoff)
  • Per-match probability model (added once odds settle 24h pre-kickoff)
  • Group standings (added once first group results land)
  • Senegal final squad (28-man preliminary squad)

Schedule cross-validated against FIFA, Sky Sports, ESPN and Wikipedia (June 2026).