Senegal W vs Morocco W in the Africa Cup of Nations - Women. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 3 stage in the 2025 season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2026-08-03T20:00:00Z. The match will be played at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Senegal W and Morocco W. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Africa Cup of Nations - WomenRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Senegal W vs Morocco W in the Africa Cup of Nations - Women. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 3 stage in the 2025 season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2026-08-03T20:00:00Z. The match will be played at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Senegal W and Morocco W. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Africa Cup of Nations - WomenWe've now seen two of the most thrilling games at the World Cup so far, with tears of joy for some, and of sadness and shock for others. Senegal were four minutes away from securing a place in the Round of 16 before Belgium turned their 2-0 deficit around to equalise, before winning in extra time. DR Congo stunned England when they opened the score in the seventh minute and were a threat throughout the tie. But it was Harry Kane who saved the day for the Three Lions as he scored both goals to seal a 2-1 comeback.
This clash will determine whether either national team can keep their knockout-stage dream alive after both suffered defeats in their opening two matches. Senegal and Iraq enter their final 2026 World Cup group match knowing that their tournament future could be decided by a single result. This clash will determine whether either national team can keep their knockout-stage dream alive after both suffered defeats in their opening two matches. Both sides arrive at the meeting after difficult campaigns so far, with Senegal losing to France and Norway, while Iraq fell against the same two opponents. The final Group I fixture represents a last opportunity for both national teams to fight for a place among the eight best third-placed teams that will advance to the Round of 32. Before the final matchday, France and Norway have already secured their places in the knockout stage after collecting six points from two victories each. France sits top with a +5 goal difference, while Norway follows closely behind with a +4 mark, meaning their own head-to-head battle will decide first place. At the bottom of the group, Senegal and Iraq remain without a single point. Senegal currently holds third place because their goal difference is -3 compared to Iraq’s -6, but both teams know that only a victory can give them a chance of continuing their World Cup journey. PositionTeamGPWDLGDPTSStatus1.France2200+56Qualified2.Norway2200+46Qualified3.Senegal2002-30Active4.Iraq2002-60Active A draw would leave both teams with just one point, which is expected to be insufficient in the race for the best third-place spots. The pressure is enormous, especially because the 48-team World Cup format gives teams one final opportunity to survive through the expanded knockout qualification system. What happens if Senegal wins? If Senegal beats Iraq, the Lions of Teranga will finish third in Group I with three points and eliminate Iraq from the tournament. However, Senegal’s qualification would still not be guaranteed. The African side would need to wait for results from other groups because only the eight strongest third-place teams will advance to the Round of 32. The Senegal team before the International Friendly match between Brazil and Senegal Goal difference could become the deciding factor. Senegal enters the match with a -3 goal difference after defeats against France and Norway, meaning a convincing victory would greatly improve their chances of moving into the knockout stage. What happens if Iraq wins? If Iraq defeats Senegal, the Lions of Mesopotamia will move into third place with three points, while Senegal will finish last and be eliminated. The challenge for Iraq is that their goal difference puts them in a difficult position. After heavy defeats to Norway and France, Iraq enters the final game with a -6 goal difference, meaning a narrow victory may not be enough to secure one of the best third-place positions. Iraq players celebrating A big win would significantly improve Iraq’s chances, but the national team would still need favorable results from other groups. Their path is much more complicated because they need both a positive result and help elsewhere. Iraq has shown fighting spirit despite facing one of the toughest groups in the tournament. Their only goal so far came from Aymen Hussein, who scored against France, but defensive struggles have left them with a difficult task heading into the final match. What happens if Senegal and Iraq draw? If Senegal and Iraq finish level, both teams will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. A draw would technically move Senegal to third place because of their better goal difference, while Iraq would remain fourth. However, one point would not be enough to compete with the other third-place teams fighting for knockout qualification. Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal reacts The result would end the World Cup hopes of two teams that entered the tournament with different expectations. Senegal arrived as one of Afric
Senegal will face off gainst Iraq in Matchday 3 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch this exciting clash live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Senegal vs Iraq on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Senegal vs Iraq WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Friday, June 26, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Senegal enters this final group stage match with zero points, but their record doesn’t tell the whole story. The Lions of Teranga delivered competitive performances against both France and Norway, proving their attacking capabilities. Now, with their tournament lives on the line, the objective is clear: secure a dominant victory against Iraq to have any hope of advancing to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams. The urgency is immense, and Senegal will be expected to play with relentless offensive pressure from the opening whistle. Iraq also sits on zero points and faces a monumental task to keep their campaign alive. After conceding seven goals across their first two games, their -6 goal difference makes qualification a near-mathematical impossibility. For them, this match is about restoring pride and attempting to claim a historic first-ever point or win in the competition. While both sides are desperate for a victory, the stakes are significantly higher for a talented Senegalese squad with a realistic path to the Round of 32. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The trajectories of these two nations in the tournament could not be more different. Senegal has looked like a competent and dangerous side placed in an incredibly difficult group. Despite the losses, they have generated significant scoring chances and shown they can compete with top-tier opposition. In contrast, Iraq has appeared outmatched, struggling to contain opponents defensively and creating very little in the attack, as evidenced by their low expected goals (xG) figures in their first two matches. This tactical clash is expected to be one-sided. Senegal will almost certainly dominate possession and territory, looking to press high and create turnovers in dangerous areas. Their game plan will revolve around leveraging the speed and skill of attackers like Sadio Mané and Ismaila Sarr against Iraq‘s vulnerable backline, which ranks among the worst in the tournament based on expected goals against (xGA). Iraq will likely be forced to defend in a deep, compact low block, hoping to frustrate Senegal and perhaps find a rare opportunity on the counter-attack. Motivation will be a key factor. For Senegal, the goal is not just to win, but to win convincingly to overturn their negative goal difference. This necessity will drive their attacking intent for the full 90 minutes. For Iraq, the primary motivation is to avoid another heavy defeat and exit the tournament with a respectable performance. While they are mathematically still in it, the severe goal difference deficit means their realistic ambitions are limited to playing the role of spoiler. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This match marks a historic first-ever meeting between Senegal and Iraq. The two nations have never faced each other in an official competition or even a friendly, adding a layer of unpredictability to this crucial group stage finale. With no past results to draw from, recent tournament form and performance against similar opponents become the most reliable indicators. While this is their first encounter with Iraq, Senegal has a positive record against Asian teams in this competition. They are undefeated in two previous matchups, securing a draw and a victory, the most recent being a 3-1 win over hosts Qatar in 2022. Conversely, this will be Iraq’s first-ever game against an African (CAF) nation at the tournament, presenting a new type of challenge for their squad. Recent trends strongly su
In their first encounter since 2002, France were hoping to get one over on Senegal after the African nation pulled off a shock the last time they both met at the World Cup. The opening fixture for Les...
In their first encounter since 2002, France were hoping to get one over on Senegal after the African nation pulled off a shock the last time they both met at the World Cup. The opening fixture for Les...
In their first encounter since 2002, France were hoping to get one over on Senegal after the African nation pulled off a shock the last time they both met at the World Cup. The opening fixture for Les...
After the first surprises in the 2026 World Cup, France face Senegal in their debut in the competition. For this reason, fans are keeping an eye con Kylian Mbappé status ahead of today’s Group I clash. France emerge as one of the best national teams in the world. With a promising roster, they are viewed as top contenders for the 2026 World Cup. In their debut in the competition, they face Senegal, looking for a victory to take the lead in Group I. As one of the best African teams, Pape Thiaw’s team could pose them major problems. For that reason, fans are keeping a close eye on Kylian Mbappé’s status, as he could be the difference-maker. Kylian Mbappé will start for France, as he arrives in excellent physical condition. As a central figure in Didier Deschamps’ team, he is once again expected to shine as a goalscorer, being the tournament’s top scorer. In addition, he has already promised a greater defensive effort, as he aims to enhance the collective play. For this reason, he is expected to be one of the best players in the 2026 World Cup. Coupled with Mbappé, head coach Didier Deschamps will bet on Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué and, Michael Olise. Nonetheless, France main challenge may be the defense line as Senegal shine with an impressive offense with speed counterattacks. In light of this, they may decided to pick Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot in the double midfield line. Then, Dayot Upamecano and William Salida will shine in the defense line. Looking for a decisive victory, Senegal will also adopt an attacking setup led by Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson. Nonetheless, head coach Pape Thiaw will rely on Idrissa Gueye to provide solidity in midfield. To prevent Kylian Mbappé from scoring, they will turn to Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaté in central defense, while Edouard Mendy will start in goal. Desire Doue of France celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates. France confirmed lineup vs Senegal France will shine with a brilliant offense, chasing Mbappé and Dembélé scoring form. Nonetheless, they may struggle with Senegal’s speed offense, making a solid midfield and defense a key asset. In light of this, head coach Didier Deschamps has decided to trust on Aurelien Tchouameni as his physicality could help to stop Sadio Mane’s counterattacks. With this in mind, France will lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé. Senegal confirmed lineup vs France Senegal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as underdogs. While they are one of Africa’s top sides, they are often underestimated despite their defensive solidity and dangerous counterattacking style. Head coach Pape Thiaw will rely on Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson as his main attacking threats. However, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye will play key roles, providing leadership and stability throughout the team. Considering this, Senegal will play as follows: Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Malick Diouf; Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané.
France and Senegal will square off in Matchday 1 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch this exciting showdown live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch France vs Senegal on US television and via legal streaming: WHO France vs Senegal WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Tuesday, June 16, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview The opening round of the 2026 tournament features a monumental clash as France, the top-ranked team in the world, begins its campaign against a formidable Senegal side. For Les Bleus, this match is about setting the tone for what they hope will be another deep run, having reached four of the last seven tournament finals. With an arsenal of attacking talent and the pressure of being favorites, a strong start is non-negotiable in what is head coach Didier Deschamps’ final tournament. Senegal enters this fixture with ambitions of its own, eager to replicate the iconic 1-0 upset they delivered against the then-reigning champions France in the 2002 opener. The Lions of Teranga are notoriously difficult to break down, boasting a stellar defensive record with 11 clean sheets in their last 16 matches. In a challenging Group I, earning a result against the group favorite would be a massive step toward the knockout stages and a powerful statement of their capabilities on the global stage. Tactical Analysis & Match Context France arrives in North America as one of the leading contenders, built on a foundation of consistent success and staggering squad depth. Their path through major tournaments is well-documented, and they possess the experience to navigate high-pressure situations. In contrast, Senegal‘s journey was more turbulent, but they have built significant momentum, relying on a disciplined and cohesive unit that has proven effective against top-tier opposition, including victories over Egypt and Morocco in 2026. The tactical battle will likely see France dominate possession, utilizing their fluid 4-3-3 system that can shift into a 4-2-3-1 to control the midfield. Their objective will be to use the pace and creativity of their forwards to unlock a compact Senegalese defense. Senegal, meanwhile, is expected to sit in a disciplined defensive block, absorbing pressure and looking to strike on the counter-attack. The game will be won or lost in the midfield, where Senegal‘s physical, hard-working unit will attempt to disrupt France‘s rhythm. For France, the motivation is clear: to assert their dominance early and avoid the kind of opening-day stumble that has historically plagued top-ranked nations. A convincing win would solidify their status as the team to beat. For Senegal, this is an opportunity to prove they belong among the elite. A draw or a win would not only be a historic result but would also put them in a commanding position to advance from a very competitive group. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends The history between these two nations on this stage is brief but legendary. They have met only once before in this competition, a match that lives on in tournament folklore: Senegal‘s stunning 1-0 victory over defending champions France in the opening game of the 2002 tournament. That result remains one of the greatest upsets in the history of the competition. Looking at their broader records, France has a mixed history against African teams, winning four and losing three of their seven encounters. Their most recent matchup was a 2-0 semifinal victory against Morocco in 2022. Senegal has a balanced record against European opposition, with two wins, three draws, and two losses from seven matches. Their last game against a UEFA team was a 3-0 defeat to England in the Round of 16 in Qatar. Key data points suggest a potentially tight contest. Senegal‘s defensive strength is undeniable, with 21 clean sheets recorded since the beginning
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We've now seen two of the most thrilling games at the World Cup so far, with tears of joy for some, and of sadness and shock for others. Senegal were four minutes away from securing a place in the Round of 16 before Belgium turned their 2-0 deficit around to equalise, before winning in extra time. DR Congo stunned England when they opened the score in the seventh minute and were a threat throughout the tie. But it was Harry Kane who saved the day for the Three Lions as he scored both goals to seal a 2-1 comeback.
This clash will determine whether either national team can keep their knockout-stage dream alive after both suffered defeats in their opening two matches. Senegal and Iraq enter their final 2026 World Cup group match knowing that their tournament future could be decided by a single result. This clash will determine whether either national team can keep their knockout-stage dream alive after both suffered defeats in their opening two matches. Both sides arrive at the meeting after difficult campaigns so far, with Senegal losing to France and Norway, while Iraq fell against the same two opponents. The final Group I fixture represents a last opportunity for both national teams to fight for a place among the eight best third-placed teams that will advance to the Round of 32. Before the final matchday, France and Norway have already secured their places in the knockout stage after collecting six points from two victories each. France sits top with a +5 goal difference, while Norway follows closely behind with a +4 mark, meaning their own head-to-head battle will decide first place. At the bottom of the group, Senegal and Iraq remain without a single point. Senegal currently holds third place because their goal difference is -3 compared to Iraq’s -6, but both teams know that only a victory can give them a chance of continuing their World Cup journey. PositionTeamGPWDLGDPTSStatus1.France2200+56Qualified2.Norway2200+46Qualified3.Senegal2002-30Active4.Iraq2002-60Active A draw would leave both teams with just one point, which is expected to be insufficient in the race for the best third-place spots. The pressure is enormous, especially because the 48-team World Cup format gives teams one final opportunity to survive through the expanded knockout qualification system. What happens if Senegal wins? If Senegal beats Iraq, the Lions of Teranga will finish third in Group I with three points and eliminate Iraq from the tournament. However, Senegal’s qualification would still not be guaranteed. The African side would need to wait for results from other groups because only the eight strongest third-place teams will advance to the Round of 32. The Senegal team before the International Friendly match between Brazil and Senegal Goal difference could become the deciding factor. Senegal enters the match with a -3 goal difference after defeats against France and Norway, meaning a convincing victory would greatly improve their chances of moving into the knockout stage. What happens if Iraq wins? If Iraq defeats Senegal, the Lions of Mesopotamia will move into third place with three points, while Senegal will finish last and be eliminated. The challenge for Iraq is that their goal difference puts them in a difficult position. After heavy defeats to Norway and France, Iraq enters the final game with a -6 goal difference, meaning a narrow victory may not be enough to secure one of the best third-place positions. Iraq players celebrating A big win would significantly improve Iraq’s chances, but the national team would still need favorable results from other groups. Their path is much more complicated because they need both a positive result and help elsewhere. Iraq has shown fighting spirit despite facing one of the toughest groups in the tournament. Their only goal so far came from Aymen Hussein, who scored against France, but defensive struggles have left them with a difficult task heading into the final match. What happens if Senegal and Iraq draw? If Senegal and Iraq finish level, both teams will be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. A draw would technically move Senegal to third place because of their better goal difference, while Iraq would remain fourth. However, one point would not be enough to compete with the other third-place teams fighting for knockout qualification. Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal reacts The result would end the World Cup hopes of two teams that entered the tournament with different expectations. Senegal arrived as one of Afric
Senegal will face off gainst Iraq in Matchday 3 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch this exciting clash live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Senegal vs Iraq on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Senegal vs Iraq WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Friday, June 26, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Senegal enters this final group stage match with zero points, but their record doesn’t tell the whole story. The Lions of Teranga delivered competitive performances against both France and Norway, proving their attacking capabilities. Now, with their tournament lives on the line, the objective is clear: secure a dominant victory against Iraq to have any hope of advancing to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams. The urgency is immense, and Senegal will be expected to play with relentless offensive pressure from the opening whistle. Iraq also sits on zero points and faces a monumental task to keep their campaign alive. After conceding seven goals across their first two games, their -6 goal difference makes qualification a near-mathematical impossibility. For them, this match is about restoring pride and attempting to claim a historic first-ever point or win in the competition. While both sides are desperate for a victory, the stakes are significantly higher for a talented Senegalese squad with a realistic path to the Round of 32. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The trajectories of these two nations in the tournament could not be more different. Senegal has looked like a competent and dangerous side placed in an incredibly difficult group. Despite the losses, they have generated significant scoring chances and shown they can compete with top-tier opposition. In contrast, Iraq has appeared outmatched, struggling to contain opponents defensively and creating very little in the attack, as evidenced by their low expected goals (xG) figures in their first two matches. This tactical clash is expected to be one-sided. Senegal will almost certainly dominate possession and territory, looking to press high and create turnovers in dangerous areas. Their game plan will revolve around leveraging the speed and skill of attackers like Sadio Mané and Ismaila Sarr against Iraq‘s vulnerable backline, which ranks among the worst in the tournament based on expected goals against (xGA). Iraq will likely be forced to defend in a deep, compact low block, hoping to frustrate Senegal and perhaps find a rare opportunity on the counter-attack. Motivation will be a key factor. For Senegal, the goal is not just to win, but to win convincingly to overturn their negative goal difference. This necessity will drive their attacking intent for the full 90 minutes. For Iraq, the primary motivation is to avoid another heavy defeat and exit the tournament with a respectable performance. While they are mathematically still in it, the severe goal difference deficit means their realistic ambitions are limited to playing the role of spoiler. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This match marks a historic first-ever meeting between Senegal and Iraq. The two nations have never faced each other in an official competition or even a friendly, adding a layer of unpredictability to this crucial group stage finale. With no past results to draw from, recent tournament form and performance against similar opponents become the most reliable indicators. While this is their first encounter with Iraq, Senegal has a positive record against Asian teams in this competition. They are undefeated in two previous matchups, securing a draw and a victory, the most recent being a 3-1 win over hosts Qatar in 2022. Conversely, this will be Iraq’s first-ever game against an African (CAF) nation at the tournament, presenting a new type of challenge for their squad. Recent trends strongly su
In their first encounter since 2002, France were hoping to get one over on Senegal after the African nation pulled off a shock the last time they both met at the World Cup. The opening fixture for Les...
In their first encounter since 2002, France were hoping to get one over on Senegal after the African nation pulled off a shock the last time they both met at the World Cup. The opening fixture for Les...
In their first encounter since 2002, France were hoping to get one over on Senegal after the African nation pulled off a shock the last time they both met at the World Cup. The opening fixture for Les...
After the first surprises in the 2026 World Cup, France face Senegal in their debut in the competition. For this reason, fans are keeping an eye con Kylian Mbappé status ahead of today’s Group I clash. France emerge as one of the best national teams in the world. With a promising roster, they are viewed as top contenders for the 2026 World Cup. In their debut in the competition, they face Senegal, looking for a victory to take the lead in Group I. As one of the best African teams, Pape Thiaw’s team could pose them major problems. For that reason, fans are keeping a close eye on Kylian Mbappé’s status, as he could be the difference-maker. Kylian Mbappé will start for France, as he arrives in excellent physical condition. As a central figure in Didier Deschamps’ team, he is once again expected to shine as a goalscorer, being the tournament’s top scorer. In addition, he has already promised a greater defensive effort, as he aims to enhance the collective play. For this reason, he is expected to be one of the best players in the 2026 World Cup. Coupled with Mbappé, head coach Didier Deschamps will bet on Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué and, Michael Olise. Nonetheless, France main challenge may be the defense line as Senegal shine with an impressive offense with speed counterattacks. In light of this, they may decided to pick Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot in the double midfield line. Then, Dayot Upamecano and William Salida will shine in the defense line. Looking for a decisive victory, Senegal will also adopt an attacking setup led by Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson. Nonetheless, head coach Pape Thiaw will rely on Idrissa Gueye to provide solidity in midfield. To prevent Kylian Mbappé from scoring, they will turn to Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaté in central defense, while Edouard Mendy will start in goal. Desire Doue of France celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates. France confirmed lineup vs Senegal France will shine with a brilliant offense, chasing Mbappé and Dembélé scoring form. Nonetheless, they may struggle with Senegal’s speed offense, making a solid midfield and defense a key asset. In light of this, head coach Didier Deschamps has decided to trust on Aurelien Tchouameni as his physicality could help to stop Sadio Mane’s counterattacks. With this in mind, France will lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé. Senegal confirmed lineup vs France Senegal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as underdogs. While they are one of Africa’s top sides, they are often underestimated despite their defensive solidity and dangerous counterattacking style. Head coach Pape Thiaw will rely on Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson as his main attacking threats. However, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye will play key roles, providing leadership and stability throughout the team. Considering this, Senegal will play as follows: Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, Malick Diouf; Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané.
France and Senegal will square off in Matchday 1 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch this exciting showdown live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch France vs Senegal on US television and via legal streaming: WHO France vs Senegal WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Tuesday, June 16, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview The opening round of the 2026 tournament features a monumental clash as France, the top-ranked team in the world, begins its campaign against a formidable Senegal side. For Les Bleus, this match is about setting the tone for what they hope will be another deep run, having reached four of the last seven tournament finals. With an arsenal of attacking talent and the pressure of being favorites, a strong start is non-negotiable in what is head coach Didier Deschamps’ final tournament. Senegal enters this fixture with ambitions of its own, eager to replicate the iconic 1-0 upset they delivered against the then-reigning champions France in the 2002 opener. The Lions of Teranga are notoriously difficult to break down, boasting a stellar defensive record with 11 clean sheets in their last 16 matches. In a challenging Group I, earning a result against the group favorite would be a massive step toward the knockout stages and a powerful statement of their capabilities on the global stage. Tactical Analysis & Match Context France arrives in North America as one of the leading contenders, built on a foundation of consistent success and staggering squad depth. Their path through major tournaments is well-documented, and they possess the experience to navigate high-pressure situations. In contrast, Senegal‘s journey was more turbulent, but they have built significant momentum, relying on a disciplined and cohesive unit that has proven effective against top-tier opposition, including victories over Egypt and Morocco in 2026. The tactical battle will likely see France dominate possession, utilizing their fluid 4-3-3 system that can shift into a 4-2-3-1 to control the midfield. Their objective will be to use the pace and creativity of their forwards to unlock a compact Senegalese defense. Senegal, meanwhile, is expected to sit in a disciplined defensive block, absorbing pressure and looking to strike on the counter-attack. The game will be won or lost in the midfield, where Senegal‘s physical, hard-working unit will attempt to disrupt France‘s rhythm. For France, the motivation is clear: to assert their dominance early and avoid the kind of opening-day stumble that has historically plagued top-ranked nations. A convincing win would solidify their status as the team to beat. For Senegal, this is an opportunity to prove they belong among the elite. A draw or a win would not only be a historic result but would also put them in a commanding position to advance from a very competitive group. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends The history between these two nations on this stage is brief but legendary. They have met only once before in this competition, a match that lives on in tournament folklore: Senegal‘s stunning 1-0 victory over defending champions France in the opening game of the 2002 tournament. That result remains one of the greatest upsets in the history of the competition. Looking at their broader records, France has a mixed history against African teams, winning four and losing three of their seven encounters. Their most recent matchup was a 2-0 semifinal victory against Morocco in 2022. Senegal has a balanced record against European opposition, with two wins, three draws, and two losses from seven matches. Their last game against a UEFA team was a 3-0 defeat to England in the Round of 16 in Qatar. Key data points suggest a potentially tight contest. Senegal‘s defensive strength is undeniable, with 21 clean sheets recorded since the beginning
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