Senegal open against France with 2002 in the air

France tonight, 2002 in the air

Senegal walk into MetLife Stadium on Tuesday night knowing the script. In 2002, World Cup debutants Senegal beat defending champions France 1–0 in Seoul. Twenty-four years later, the Lions of Teranga face France again, this time with a squad that believes it can go even further (1) (2). The memory of that upset still resonates, but this group has its own ambitions.

Semi-final is the target

Senegal are not here to make up the numbers. The team has set a clear goal for this tournament: the semi-finals (3). That confidence comes from a squad built around Nicolas Jackson, who faces a pivotal tournament with new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso watching. Aliou Cissé's side is viewed as one of Africa's strongest, and the opener against France is an early chance to prove it.

Jackson's moment under Alonso's gaze

Nicolas Jackson leads the line with something extra on the line. The Chelsea striker needs to show Xabi Alonso he fits the tactical system at Stamford Bridge. A strong World Cup could define his role next season. Tuesday night against France's backline is the kind of stage where that happens.

Where to watch

Fans in Germany should note that France vs Senegal is not on free TV. The match is exclusive to MagentaTV, with no coverage on ARD or ZDF (1).

Fan reactions

The 2002 nostalgia is everywhere ahead of kickoff. A detailed Senegal preview on r/soccer calls the team "angry, rejuvenated, and ready" for a rematch 24 years in the making. The France preview describes Deschamps' side as a lethal transitional machine, which has some Senegal supporters quietly confident that Cissé's counter-attacking setup could cause problems. Read the full Senegal preview.