France will get the ball rolling on their 2026 World Cup campaign this evening, facing Senegal in New York.
Match Preview
Beaten finalists in 2022, France come into this tournament bearing the considerable weight of the ‘favourites’ tag. They are widely considered to have the most talented, well-rounded squad at the tournament, and have been tipped by many to go one better than they did in Qatar.
They have been drawn into a tricky group, though, with Norway and Iraq completing the lineup, and can send a certain statement of intent with victory here.
Senegal were, until recently, AFCON champions. They beat Morocco on penalties in the final, but were stripped of the title in a courtroom months after the fact for leaving the field of play in protest against a refereeing decision.
That drama aside, the Lions of Teranga are a force to be reckoned with, and this squad is perhaps the strongest the nation has produced. The veteran Sadio Mane will lead them out, and he will be joined by Premier League talents Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, among others.
One of these two sides will be expected to top this group - but who will come out on top?
How to watch France vs Senegal
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on BBC One, with coverage starting at 7.30pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live and for free online via the BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Arthur Ferridge at the ground.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel and website, along with the BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and ITVX website and app.
