Soccer

France to Face Senegal in Opening Match of 2026 World Cup

The reigning runners‑up open the tournament in East Rutherford, with Mbappé and Dembélé among the favorites.

France, the 2022 World Cup runner‑up, will open the 2026 tournament against Senegal in a highly anticipated match scheduled for Tuesday at 3 p.m. Eastern Time in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Broadcast and Streaming Details

The game will be televised on FOX, while fans can also watch it live through streaming platforms such as FuboTV, DirecTV and SlingTV, ensuring broad access across the United States.

In the pre‑tournament betting markets, France sits as a co‑favorite, a status largely driven by the presence of star forwards Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, who are expected to lead the attack.

Senegal’s Campaign

Coached by Sadio Mané, Senegal enters its third consecutive World Cup, hoping to build on a run that took the 2022 edition to the knockout stage and to recall the historic 2002 victory over France that propelled the team to the quarter‑finals.

The match promises a clash of talent and ambition, with both nations aiming to start their campaigns on a positive note as the tournament unfolds.

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