France v Senegal Prediction: Les Bleus 4/9 to make winning start

It will be a case of deja vu on Tuesday when France meet old foes Senegal in the opening match of Group I.

In 2002, Senegal produced one of the biggest-ever World Cup shocks when they defeated Les Bleus, who were reigning world and European champions, in the tournament curtain-raiser.

Back then, the Lions of Teranga had an air of mystery around them. Not now, especially considering how strong their squad is heading into the tournament, even when drawn in a tough Group I.

This is Didier Deschamps' international swansong with France and he will be hoping to end his triumphant reign by winning a second World Cup.

France v Senegal Tips Summary

Best Bet - France to win @ 4/9
Alternative Bet - Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5
Bet Builder - Both teams to score, Michael Olise to score & Sadio Mane 1+ shot on target @ 7/1

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France v Senegal Prediction

Best Bet: France to win @ 4/9

France arguably have one of, if not the strongest, squad in the entire competition, with players such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Aurelien Tchouameni and William Saliba, among many others, it would be a surprise if France don't go deep in the tournament.

Of course, we have seen this movie before with France, 2002 being a prime example, but considering this is Deschamps' final competition in charge of Les Bleus, however, suggests things can end gloriously next month.

There were some teething problems in the 2-1 loss to the Ivory Coast a few weeks ago, but that was their only defeat since June 2025.

Senegal's preparations haven’t exactly been great. Pape Thiaw's side drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in their final pre-World Cup friendly and that came a week after a 3-2 defeat to the USA.

There is no doubt that the Lions of Teranga are one of the dark horses in North America, but France should deliver a statement of intent with a win in New Jersey.

Alternative Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5

The heat has certainly played its part in a few low-scoring matches, but that shouldn't be the case in this game considering the attacking quality of both teams.

France's previous nine international matches have featured three or more goals being scored.

Since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament last December, five of Senegal's 11 games has produced three or more goals.

Deschamps is likely to unleash an attacking trio consisting of Mbappe, Olise and Dembele, which will cause all sort of problems for Senegal.

As such, expect this game to provide plenty of games in what should be a high-scoring affair.

France v Senegal Bet Builder Tip

• Both teams to score

• Michael Olise to score

• Sadio Mane 1+ shot on target

  Pays 7/1

At the time of writing, eight of the first 12 matches in the tournament have seen both teams score and this is a game where chances are going to be plentiful at both ends of the pitch.

Both teams have scored in six of Les Bleus' last seven games, indicating that, while they have a prolific attack, the defence must improve this summer.

Two of Senegal's previous three games has featured both teams finding the back of the net and this is leg one of our bet builder.

While the focus will be on Mbappe, Olise has developed into a key attacking threat under Deschamps. Last time out, he scored a stunning hat-trick against Northern Ireland.

With seven goals in just 17 appearances for France, this could be a tournament to remember for the Bayern Munich winger.

Sadio Mane will lead Senegal in North America and, aged 34, this could be his final World Cup.

He scored twice against the USA a few weeks ago and hit the woodwork against Saudi Arabia.

A positive start will be crucial for the Lions of Teranga side and Mane can be a big danger to the French backline.

Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.

Key Match Stats

• Senegal beat France 1-0 in the only previous meeting between the nations at the 2002 World Cup

• France have reached four of the previous seven World Cup finals

• This will be the seventh and final international tournament for Didier Deschamps as France boss

• France have lost just twice in 90 minutes across their previous 19 World Cup matches

• Senegal have won five of their 12 games at the World Cup

• France have won four of their seven World Cup games against African opposition

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.