France vs Senegal prediction as old foes set for World Cup battle

Kylian Mbappe will lead France into the World Cup — Kylian Mbappe has already played in two World Cup finals (Image credit: Franco Arland/Getty Images)

France will be hoping history doesn't repeat itself when they face Senegal in their opening game of the World Cup.

The two sides met in the first match of the 2002 World Cup, with unfancied Senegal pulling off a stunning 1-0 victory that contributed to then-reigning champions France being dumped out in the group stage.

After Cape Verde defied the odds against Spain, we could well be in for another upset on Tuesday, which kicks off at 3pm local time (8pm UK time).

Score prediction for France vs Senegal

Sadio Mane helped Senegal to the AFCON trophy earlier this year, only for the result to be overturned — Senegal were stripped of their AFCON title after beating Morocco in extra time (Image credit: Getty Images)

France have been a popular pick to win the whole thing after going so close to claiming back-to-back World Cups last time, only to be beaten by Argentina in a thrilling final.

With the talent they have in their squad, it's easy to see why - but Senegal are not short on household names themselves.

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That gives this game a very different complexion to that meeting 24 years ago. Senegal are still salty about their Africa Cup of Nations trophy being taken away from them after they beat Morocco in January's final, only to be penalised for their lengthy walk-off in protest of a last-minute penalty decision.

That isn't just a sign of their ability, but also means that they could come into this World Cup with a point to prove.

With Kalidou Koulibaly at the back, Idrissa Gueye and Lamine Camara in midfield, Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye on the wing, and Nicolas Jackson up front, Senegal genuinely have a side that even the more established big boys have reason to be wary of.

But caution is not the same as fear, and Didier Deschamps' France should feel like they need be afraid of nobody at this tournament.

Kylian Mbappe is in the habit of playing his best football at World Cups, and he will be ably supported by the likes of Desire Doue, Michael Olise, and current Ballon D'Or holder Ousmane Dembele.

Senegal defender Aliou Cisse celebrates after his side's 1-0 win over France at the 2002 World Cup. — Senegal stunned France in 2002 (Image credit: Getty Images)

That should mean we see plenty of attacking intent from both sides at Metlife Stadium.

France will feel they should win it... but it's by no means a foregone conclusion.

Score prediction: France 2-2 Senegal

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Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.