- France have won 4 of their last 5 matches, losing 1.
- Senegal have won only 1 of their last 3 (D1, L1).
2002 revisited at New York/New Jersey Stadium
The famous 2002 World Cup clash between France and Senegal will no doubt be in the thoughts of many as the two nations come head-to-head at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, USA, to contest a fixture that will set the tone for Group I and could also have significant bearing on knockout seeding.
France have been the more impressive of the two sides with 8 wins, 1 draw and just 1 defeat in their last 10 (all-competitions).
Senegal have 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats in their last 10 in all-competitions, so they have been solid, but not spectacular. They also lack the quality in depth that makes France the clear favourite to win at 1.49 (Senegal 7.4) and the difference in price reflects this.
France should have the quality to edge it
France have a talisman in Kylian Mbappé, one of the fastest and most explosive forwards in the modern game, but they are by no means a one-man team. In Antoine Griezmann, they have the tactical intelligence and creative spark to link midfield and attack, while Aurélien Tchouaméni provides stability and ball progression from the midfield axis.
Senegal, on the other hand, have Sadio Mané as their talisman, although he is still capable of unlocking any defence and is dangerous on the counter.
Pape Thiaw, who took over as Senegal boss in October 2024, has made the Senegalese a compact side, which screens well and transitions quickly with good runners in behind. But France's width, overloads and star quality should see them edge this contest at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Lions of Teranga can sting in the final third
Didier Deschamps has been France boss since 2012 and it is clear that he has instilled a pragmatic, results-based mindset into the team. They will set up in their preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system and while the structure is rarely adventurous, they are flexible enough to change things in-game when the situation requires it.
Senegal are a less sophisticated side and rely on their structure to get results. In Kalidou Koulibaly, the Lions of Teranga have a physical, tough to beat centre-back who is also a brilliant in the air - a must-have for the role in a tournament played on foreign soil.
Ismaïla Sarr is a real asset to this Senegal side as he brings pace, directness and the ability to put the ball on a plate for his strikers on the flanks. He will be crucial to their chances of snatching something from this game as France like to create chances in transition and through wide overloads.
Senegal have one defeat in their last 3 away matches (W2, L1), but they have struggled on the road in their recent games, drawing with Saudi Arabia (0-0) and losing to the USA (3-2) in their two most recent away tests.
France's home record is stronger, but this fixture is played in the USA and the any advantage will count for nothing. France have had their ups and downs in the past, but they usually respond well to setbacks and bounced back from their 1-2 home defeat to Ivory Coast with a 1-3 away win in Colombia.
