France await Senegal in World Cup opener on 16 June

France first up on 16 June

It's real now. Senegal open their 2026 World Cup campaign against France on Tuesday 16 June, a matchup that will set the tone for everything that follows in Group I (2) (5). This is the game that will have every Senegal fan rearranging their schedule, calling in favors, finding a screen. France are heavy favorites on paper, but this is a World Cup opener, form and reputation count for nothing in the first 90 minutes.

The rest of Group I: Norway and Iraq await

After facing France, Senegal's second group match comes a week later against Norway on 23 June (1). The final group opponent is Iraq, completing a Group I that offers a genuine path to the knockout rounds if Senegal can navigate the opener with something to show for it (5).

France talking big ahead of opener

France winger Ousmane Dembélé has called winning the World Cup "the absolute pinnacle" ahead of the tournament (6). Meanwhile, pundit Ally McCoist has tipped French youngster Rayan Cherki to make an impact at this World Cup, with the opening game against Senegal as the backdrop (4). France arrive with big names and bigger expectations, but pressure does funny things in tournament football.

Dieng's summer in the background

Senegal's own build-up remains quiet in the international press, but the Bamba Dieng to Real Betis story continues to gather attention as a summer move looms. If Senegal are going to cause problems for France, the energy and directness Dieng brings could be vital.