FIFA World Cup 2026: France vs Senegal date, time, TV channel, squads
Synopsis
France and Senegal renew a rivalry that began with one of the World Cup's greatest upsets — Senegal's 1-0 win over defending champions France in 2002. Now, at the 2026 edition, Les Bleus arrive as runners-up chasing a historic third consecutive final, while the Lions of Teranga are on a hat-trick of World Cup appearances. The Group I opener at New Jersey could not be more loaded with history.
Key Takeaways
France vs Senegal kicks off at 12:30 AM IST on 18 June 2026 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium .
Senegal famously beat France 1-0 in the 2002 World Cup opener — the last time these sides met at the tournament.
France are at their 17th World Cup , with two titles ( 1998 and 2018 ); Senegal are at their 4th .
Live streaming available on Zee5 ; live telecast on Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 2 (and HD variants) in India.
Referee for the match: Alireza Faghani .
France and Senegal open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns in a Group I curtain-raiser at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Wednesday, 18 June 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. The fixture carries the weight of history — Senegal famously stunned the then-defending champions France 1-0 in the very first match of the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup, one of the tournament's most celebrated upsets.
What Is at Stake for Both Teams
France, the 2022 runners-up, arrive at their 17th FIFA World Cup with a clear ambition: to become only the second European nation to reach the final in three consecutive editions. Didier Deschamps' squad, featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Marcus Thuram, is considered among the tournament favourites. France have won the World Cup twice — in 1998 and 2018 — and have appeared in the last eight editions without interruption.
Senegal, meanwhile, qualified for their fourth FIFA World Cup (2002, 2018, 2022, 2026), completing a hat-trick of successive appearances. The Lions of Teranga were equally commanding in the African qualifying rounds and will look to Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson to carry the attacking threat.
How to Watch France vs Senegal Live in India
Indian viewers can catch the match via live streaming on Zee5 (platform and app), though a subscription will be required. Live telecast will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
Key Match Details
Date and kick-off: Wednesday, 18 June 2026, 12:30 AM IST
Venue: New York/New Jersey Stadium
Referee: Alireza Faghani
Full Squads
France
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: N'Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
Senegal
Goalkeepers: Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf, Édouard Mendy
Defenders: Ilay Camara, Krépin Diatta, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismail Jakobs, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moustapha Mbow, Antoine Mendy, Moussa Niakhaté, Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck
Midfielders: Lamine Camara, Pathé Ciss, Habib Diarra, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye
Attackers: Assane Diao, Bamba Dieng, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaïla Sarr
This Group I opener sets the tone for both nations' 2026 campaigns — and, given the 2002 precedent, few neutrals will want to miss it.
Point of View
And the narrative writes itself. What mainstream previews underplay is Senegal's structural improvement: this is no longer a side built around a single star. France, for their part, carry the burden of consecutive final appearances — a run that has historically invited complacency. A Senegal result here would not be an upset; it would be a statement.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the France vs Senegal FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
France vs Senegal kicks off at 12:30 AM IST on Wednesday, 18 June 2026, at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. The match is a Group I opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Where can I watch France vs Senegal live in India?
The match is available via live streaming on the Zee5 platform and app (subscription required). Live telecast in India will be on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
What is the history between France and Senegal at the World Cup?
Senegal defeated France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan — one of the tournament's most celebrated upsets, coming against the then-defending world champions. The two nations have not met at the World Cup since.
How many World Cups has France appeared in?
France are participating in their 17th FIFA World Cup in 2026, having featured in every edition since 2002 — eight consecutive tournaments. They have won the title twice, in 1998 and 2018.
Who are the key players to watch in France vs Senegal?
For France, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Marcus Thuram lead the attack, with N'Golo Kanté anchoring midfield. Senegal's attack is spearheaded by Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, supported by a deep and experienced squad including Kalidou Koulibaly in defence.
