France vs Senegal: Can Les Lions Recreate the 2002 Miracle in the 2026 World Cup Opener?

France and Senegal meet tonight at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for their Group I opener at the 2026 World Cup. Kick-off is at 8pm Nigerian time. The fixture brings back memories of Senegal’s famous 1–0 win over France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup. That shock result remains one of the tournament’s greatest upsets. France coach Didier Deschamps says the past is history and most of his squad weren’t even born in 2002. Midfielder N’Golo Kanté stresses the importance of focus after an undefeated qualifying run and mixed warm-up results. Senegal, led by Pape Thiaw, arrive off the back of a controversial Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The squad has shown strong form in recent friendlies and will be hungry to challenge one of the world’s top teams.

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