France Aims to Erase a 24-Year-Old Bitter Memory Against Senegal in FIFA World Cup 2026
June 16, Kathmandu – Former runner-up France is set to revisit a historic encounter from 24 years ago as they face African nation Senegal for the first time in the FIFA World Cup 2026. That match remains the only World Cup game ever played between these two teams, as well as their sole meeting at the international level. Back in the 2002 World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea, France, the defending champions, were stunned in their group stage opener by Senegal, who secured a 1-0 victory.
In Group I, the highly anticipated rematch between France and Senegal is scheduled to begin Wednesday at 12:45 a.m. local time. Currently considered one of the most balanced teams in the tournament, France enters the competition as a strong favorite for the title and is determined to avenge the defeat from 24 years ago against Senegal.
Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, the French squad features attacking talents like Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Dayot Upamecano, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot anchoring the midfield. France is widely regarded alongside Spain as a top contender to win the tournament and aims to make a strong start right from the first match. Recently, Spain was held to a goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde, a result that surprised many and signals that France will also approach their opener against Senegal with extreme caution.
Senegal currently stands as one of Africa’s strongest teams, ranked 15th by FIFA, while France holds the 3rd position. The matchup is anticipated to be highly competitive given both teams’ statuses in world football.
France’s head coach Didier Deschamps is among the rare individuals to have won the World Cup both as a player and as a coach. This tournament represents a chance for him to conclude his coaching career on a high note by securing another title for France. Deschamps has plans to hand over the reins to former captain Zinedine Zidane after the World Cup, which adds significance to his quest in the United States. Should France claim the trophy here, Deschamps would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in history.
This campaign offers France their second opportunity to win the World Cup on American soil. Additionally, if France wins all three of their group stage matches, Deschamps will break the record for most World Cup wins as a coach, surpassing German legend Helmut Schön’s tally of 16 matches.
