The World Cup 2026 group stage continues with several significant matches today, including the highly anticipated clash between France and Senegal in New Jersey. This fixture marks a rematch of the 2002 opener, which saw a notable upset. Both teams are set to begin their campaigns in Group I, a group also featuring Erling Haaland-led Norway.
Les Bleus, who were finalists in the previous tournament, aim for a strong start. Manager Didier Deschamps, in what is expected to be his final tournament leading France, faces the challenge of integrating a wealth of attacking talent. Players such as Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, and Rayan Cherki are available for the forward line. However, the team will be without Antoine Griezmann, a key figure in previous campaigns.
Senegal enters the tournament with a strong resolve, particularly after their African Cup of Nations title was overturned. The Lions of Teranga possess an experienced squad, including veterans like Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Idrissa Gana Gueye, complemented by emerging talents such as Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, and Habib Diarra. This blend of experience and new talent could make Senegal a significant contender in the later stages of the competition, especially if they secure a positive result in their opening match.
Key Fixtures and Players to Watch
The match between France and Senegal is scheduled for 3pm ET at New York New Jersey Stadium. Coverage for viewers in the UK begins at 7:30pm BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Kylian Mbappé, with 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances, is highlighted as a player to watch for France. Despite recent challenges at club level, Mbappé is expected to be a defining figure for his national team in this tournament.
Following this, Iraq will face Norway at 6pm ET at Boston Stadium. Norway, making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, are considered dark horses after a flawless qualification campaign. Their squad features prominent players like Erling Haaland, who scored 16 goals in eight qualifiers, and Martin Ødegaard. Iraq, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, will look to draw inspiration from other surprise teams in the tournament.
Later in the day, Argentina will begin their title defence against Algeria at 9pm ET at Kansas City Stadium. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, enters the tournament on a seven-game winning streak. Messi, even at 38 years old, remains a crucial player for Lionel Scaloni’s team. Algeria, having cruised through qualification, features players such as Riyad Mahrez, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Ibrahim Maza, though Ramy Bensebaini is unlikely to play due to injury.
The final match of the day will see Austria take on Jordan at 12am ET at San Francisco Bay Stadium. Under manager Ralf Rangnick, Austria has developed a high-energy style of play. This match will be historic for Jordan, as it marks their first-ever appearance in a World Cup. Konrad Laimer is a key player for Austria, dictating play from the right-back position.
Squad Details and Preparations
France’s squad includes goalkeepers Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, and Brice Samba. Defenders include Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, and Dayot Upamenaco. Midfielders are N’Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Warren Zaire-Emery. Forwards include Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Jean-Phillipe Mateta, and Marcus Thuram.
Initial injury concerns for France’s William Saliba and Jules Kounde have been alleviated, as both players have returned to full training. Senegal’s squad features goalkeepers Edouard Mendy, Yehvann Diouf, and Mory Diaw. Defenders include Krepin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Abdoulaye Seck, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ilay Camara, Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr, El-Hadji Malick Diouf, Moustapha Mbow, and Ismail Jakobs. Midfielders are Idrissa Gueye, Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, and Bara Ndiaye. Forwards include Sadio Mane, Bamba Dieng, Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, and Ismaila Sarr. Senegal may be without Assane Diao and Cherif Ndiaye due to injury concerns.
The match between France and Senegal will kick off at 3pm ET.
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Source: theguardian.com
