Deschamps sets France up as World Cup opener against Senegal arrives

France vs Senegal: it's finally here

Your World Cup starts Tuesday at 21:00 CET against Senegal in Group I (1) (2). Didier Deschamps held his pre-match press conference on Monday, the last checkpoint before the real thing (1). The 4-2-3-1 stays. Koundé and Theo Hernandez keep their spots. Dembélé, Mbappé, Olise, and Doué are all in the frame to start (2). Deschamps wants more attacking firepower this tournament, and the lineup should reflect that.

Mamadou Sarr faces the country he grew up in

Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr lines up for Senegal against France, the nation where he was raised (3). He knows your players well. That familiarity cuts both ways.

Iraq vs Norway: the other game in your group

Iraq and Norway face off in the early hours of Wednesday, midnight CET (4). That is the other Group I match. Erling Haaland leads Norway. A draw or an Iraq win would not hurt.

Fan reactions

The buildup on Reddit leans into a single storyline: this is Deschamps' last tournament, and France are loaded. One preview thread frames it as lethal transitions and an attacking juggernaut, while City fans on the match thread are tracking Cherki as the name to watch.