Mané fit as Senegal open against France at the World Cup

France up first at MetLife

Senegal open their 2026 World Cup campaign Tuesday against reigning champions France at MetLife Stadium (1) (2). The Lions of Teranga carry the memory of 2002, when they stunned France in the opening match of that tournament. This time the opponent arrives as back-to-back finalists.

Mané is fit and ready

Sadio Mané missed the last World Cup through injury. Senegal went out in the round of 16 without him. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly confirmed Mané is fit and will start against France: "He is happy to be with us for this World Cup" (2).

Koulibaly: "We know our potential"

The captain spoke with conviction ahead of the opener. "We know our potential. We have many talents and many good players," Koulibaly said. He called Group I tough, France, Norway, Iraq, but made clear the ambition: "When you play the World Cup, you want to go all the way and lift the trophy" (2).

"We will give 100%"

Koulibaly did not downplay the challenge. France reached the final of the last two World Cups. "They have a lot of talent, but we hope to play a great game and be ready," he said (2). The message from the Senegal camp is clear: they believe they can pass this group.