- France form: France have won eight of their last ten matches (D1, L1), including a 3-1 away win over Colombia, the pre-tournament second seeds. They have split their last two home games, however, losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast today.
- Senegal form: Senegal are in good form with seven wins, one draw and two defeats in their last ten in all competitions. They have won three of their last five (L2), including impressive home victories over Peru (2-0) and Gambia (3-1) and a disappointing 3-2 away defeat to the USA.
- Goals and defence: Senegal have scored six times in their last three away games, winning two and losing the other. France have conceded just 0.75 goals per game across their last four at home.
Familiar foes to do battle in Group I
France have made a decent start to Didier Deschamps' last tournament in charge, but their 1-2 loss to Ivory Coast at home today has ensured the pressure is on for Tuesday's clash against Senegal. Les Bleus are the heavy favorites for this fixture at 1.49 with Senegal the long shots at 7.4, but the Lions of Teranga are well able to upset the odds, especially as this game is taking place when narratives and momentum come into play.
Deschamps, a cunning coach who has had plenty of tournament experience since taking the reigns in 2012, is sure to have an answer for Senegal's well organised and compact 4-3-3 structure. It will be a fascinating contrast of styles as Thiaw's disciplined system goes head-to-head with the high-tempo approach of Deschamps.
Thiaw has Lion hearts on the move
Managerial approach
Pape Thiaw, only in charge since October 2024, has made his mark on the Lions of Teranga with a renewed sense of collective organisation and an emphasis on making the most of his team's counter-attacking moments.
Defence and attackers
Senegal will be a tough nut to crack in this game as Kalidou Koulibaly's leadership from the back of a packed defensive line and his aerial superiority will provide a solid base. Ismaïla Sarr's pace and directness will stretch the opposition defence and provide enough space on the counter for the likes of Sadio Mané to operate.
Mané is Senegal's driving force in attack with three of his country's last eight goals having gone in during that run. He's a constant threat and can break a game wide open when he gets it right.
Familiar names make Les Bleus formidable
Deschamps has played with a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, which suits his team's strengths, as they thrive on vertical transitions. France's attacking depth is probably the best in the world and, with home advantage, they can edge this match despite Senegal's best efforts.
But the bookies are keen for a tight game with under 2.5 goals at 1.92 and Both Teams to Score 'No' at 1.71.
- Kylian Mbappé remains France's main attacking threat, his pace and finishing crucial to their vertical style.
- Antoine Griezmann provides the team with a constant goal and assist threat, while Aurélien Tchouaméni is the engine room to break up play and start the transitions.
