Norway vs France on June 26th at the Gillette Stadium in a World Cup Group I clash — full match preview, team news, lineups, and prediction.
| Bookie | Selection | Best Odds | Market | Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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France to win | TBC | France vs Senegal | Place Bet |
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France 2-1 Senegal | TBC | France vs Senegal | Place Bet |
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Under 3.5 Goals | TBC | France vs Senegal | Place Bet |
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France to win, goal in each half, and Kylian Mbappé to score or anytime | TBC | France vs Senegal | Place Bet |
Date of Tips: 23/12/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (13:26 23/12/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
June 16th at the MetLife Stadium sees France go head on with Senegal in both sides first World Cup Group I match, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK. This France vs Senegal prediction delves into both sides’ team news, potential lineups, and how they match up to shape the smartest betting angles. You don’t get many group games with this much edge. World champions pedigree on one side. African champions energy on the other.
France arrive knowing every opponent treats them like a final. Senegal turn up believing they can hurt anyone on their day. Put that together and you’ve got a game you won’t want to miss.
France come into the tournament with Didier Deschamps still at the helm. This is his last World Cup. The squad blends experience with a new wave of talent that plays weekly at the top end of European football.
Kylian Mbappé leads the line. He’s still in his prime, still electric, and now carries the captain’s armband. Around him, you’ve got attacking options like Ousmane Dembélé who brings danger from wide areas.
At the back, France look stacked. William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté both play in the Premier League and bring physicality. Theo Hernández, now based in Saudi Arabia, still offers that relentless drive from left-back. In midfield, N’Golo Kanté may no longer be in Europe, but his reading of the game hasn’t faded. Warren Zaïre-Emery adds legs and control from central areas.
Senegal feel like a team on a mission. Pape Thiaw has settled quickly as head coach, and the squad reflects a nice balance of experience and hunger. Sadio Mané is in his mid-thirties now, playing his club football in Saudi Arabia, and this feels like his final global stage.
Behind him, Kalidou Koulibaly anchors the defence. Pape Matar Sarr from Tottenham offers smart play in midfield. Nicolas Jackson provides pace up top. Ismaïla Sarr gives them options out wide.
France should stick to a familiar shape. A solid back four, midfield balance, and freedom for the attackers to rotate.
France likely XI:
Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Konaté, T. Hernández; Kanté, Zaïre-Emery; Dembélé, Olise, Mbappé; Ekitike.
Senegal tend to stay compact and break with speed. Expect discipline without the ball and real intent when they win it.
Senegal likely XI:
Mendy; Jakobs, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Gueye, P. Matar Sarr; I. Sarr, Ndiaye, Mané; Jackson.
This matchup is fascinating because of where the danger sits. France dominate possession against most teams. Senegal don’t mind that at all. They’re comfortable sitting in shape and waiting for moments to spring forward.
France’s full-backs push high. Senegal’s wingers love space. That’s the key battle. If France manage transitions well, they control the game. If they get sloppy, Senegal will punish them.
Looking at angles rather than outright results makes sense here. Discipline could also play a role. Senegal’s physical style against France’s dribblers often leads to stoppages and fouls in wide areas. Consider card betting angles, with Senegal most likely to receive more cards.
France should edge it. Their depth is ridiculous, and tournament experience counts. But don’t expect a walkover. This feels like a game France control in spells, survive a few scary moments, then settle it late.
Match Prediction: France to win. Bet with bet365.
A narrow France win makes sense here. Something like 2-1 fits the flow. Senegal score often enough to believe. France just have more ways to respond.
Correct Score Prediction: France 2-1 Senegal. Bet with bet365.
This doesn’t scream goal-fest. Both managers value structure. The opening World Cup group games usually start cautiously. Expect controlled phases rather than end-to-end chaos.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
A simple bet builder tip for this match could start with France to win. They should have too much across 90 minutes. Add Kylian Mbappé to score, and then round it off with a goal in each half.
Bet Builder Tip: France to win, goal in each half, and Kylian Mbappé to score or anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
France look stronger on paper, but Senegal will make it uncomfortable.
Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time.
The match takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.