Faghani named referee for Senegal's World Cup opener vs France

Faghani to referee Senegal's World Cup opener vs France

Iranian referee Alireza Faghani will take charge of Senegal's Group I opener against France on Tuesday, June 16 at 21:00. For French fans, Faghani brings good memories, he officiated their 4–1 win over Australia in 2022. (1)

Mbappé threatens flute celebration

Kylian Mbappé has promised a flute-themed goal celebration if he scores against Senegal. The reason? Music. Mbappé is a big fan of Senegalese artist Maabo and told teammates he will honour the culture with the gesture. You will want to keep him quiet. (4)

The 2002 shadow looms over this rematch

Every mention of France vs Senegal drags up 2002. Papa Bouba Diop's goal that day remains one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, defending champions France beaten 1–0 in Seoul. Twenty-four years later, the two nations meet again. The French press cannot stop writing about it, which tells you everything about how deeply that scar still runs. (2)

Senegal beat Morocco to AFCON crown, and Morocco panicked

Your AFCON final win over Senegal sent shockwaves through their federation. Morocco have now sacked Walid Regragui, the man who took them to a World Cup semi-final, and replaced him with Mohamed Ouahbi just three months before the tournament. That is what beating a rival in a final can do. (3)

Fan reactions

The Reddit crowd is already digging into the Morocco chaos after their AFCON final defeat to Senegal. The consensus is disbelief, sacking a coach who delivered a historic World Cup semi-final just months before the next tournament feels like panic. One fan called it a brutal injury crisis colliding with a tactical revolution, and the ghosts of 1998 linger. Read the full thread here.