Pre-matchTuesday, June 16

Les Bleus Open Group I Campaign Against Senegal's Lions

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France are overwhelming favourites to launch their Group I account with a win over Senegal on Monday evening, with 69 of 74 pool members backing Didier Deschamps' side against the African champions.

The pool has spoken with near-unanimity: 93% picked France to beat Senegal, mirroring the bookmakers' view that Les Bleus are heavy favourites to collect three points on the opening matchday.

What's at Stake

This is Matchday 1 in Group I, so both sides start on zero points alongside Iraq and Norway. France need a strong opening to assert themselves as group favourites, while Senegal know that any points dropped here will put them on the back foot in what looks like a fight for second place.

The Matchup

France arrive with squad depth across the pitch—expect Mbappé to lead the line, supported by creative midfielders who can unlock Senegal's typically disciplined defensive shape. Senegal, African champions in 2021, will look to Sadio Mané (if fit) and Ismaïla Sarr to exploit space on the counter. The key battle: can Senegal's back line, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly, contain France's attacking trio, or will the European side's technical quality prove too much?

Team News & Lineups

France are expected to field a strong XI with Mbappé, Griezmann, and Tchouaméni all available. Senegal will need to confirm the fitness of Mané, who has dealt with minor knocks in the build-up; if he starts, their counter-attacking threat doubles. Both sides should deploy their first-choice lineups, setting the tone for the rest of the group stage.

The Odds

Bookmakers make France clear favourites, reflecting their world-class roster and recent tournament pedigree. Senegal are given an outside chance, with a draw the next most likely outcome after a French win. The pool's 69–3–2 split in favour of France aligns perfectly with the market: this is a mismatch on paper, and the consensus says Les Bleus should cruise.

▸Sources (30)