As Didier Deschamps takes charge of his 20th FIFA World Cup match, France begin another quest for global glory when they face Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites, Les Bleus will be looking to justify that status against an ambitious Senegal side aiming to make more World Cup history.

France Target Another Deep World Cup Run

Deschamps is entering his final tournament as France manager and remains on course to break the record for most World Cup matches managed, currently standing at 25. Having guided France to consecutive World Cup finals, the veteran coach will believe another deep run is achievable after his side breezed through qualification with five wins and one draw.

France arrive in the United States in excellent form, winning nine of their last 11 matches while suffering just one defeat. Their blend of experience and attacking quality makes them one of the strongest contenders to lift the trophy, while the prospect of becoming only the third nation to reach three successive World Cup finals provides additional motivation.

Senegal Looking to Repeat Historic Upset

Senegal secured qualification with an unbeaten record of seven wins and three draws, reaching a third consecutive World Cup finals. While that achievement underlines their growing consistency on the international stage, the Lions of Teranga have never progressed beyond the Round of 16 since their famous debut in 2002.

That memorable tournament began with a shock 1-0 victory over France, still the only previous meeting between the two nations. However, repeating that feat may prove difficult. Senegal have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 World Cup finals matches and entered the tournament without a win in their two pre-World Cup warm-up games.

Head-to-Head

• Only previous meeting: Senegal 1-0 France (World Cup 2002)
• France have lost three of their last four World Cup group-stage matches against African opposition.

Key Statistics

• France are unbeaten in their last five opening World Cup matches (W3, D2).
• France’s last nine matches have all produced over 2.5 goals.
• Only two of Senegal’s last seven matches saw both teams score.
• Five of Senegal’s last seven World Cup matches featured over 2.5 goals.

Players to Watch

Kylian Mbappé (France)
Already on 12 World Cup goals, Mbappé is closing in on Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament record of 16. Notably, each of his last 12 international goals has arrived after the 30th minute.

Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)
Fresh from European success with Crystal Palace, Sarr remains Senegal’s biggest attacking threat. He has scored his nation’s opening goal in seven of his last eight international scoring appearances.

Team News

France could be without defender Jules Koundé, who remains a fitness concern ahead of kick-off. Senegal, meanwhile, are expected to have a fully fit squad available.

Betting Analysis & Prediction

France possess superior quality across virtually every area of the pitch and arrive with significantly stronger recent form. Senegal have shown they can compete with elite opposition, but defensive vulnerabilities at World Cup level remain a concern.

With France regularly scoring goals and Senegal struggling to keep clean sheets on the biggest stage, backing Les Bleus to win comfortably looks the most appealing angle.

Prediction: France 3-1 Senegal

Best Bet: France -1 Asian Handicap