France vs. Senegal: Les Bleus begin World Cup quest for third star

France kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign with a highly anticipated match against Senegal in New York, aiming to secure a third star for their national team. The fixture, set to take place at the MetLife Stadium, is seen as a potential trap by many observers, despite France's strong squad.

Coach Didier Deschamps has opted for consistency, fielding an unchanged starting lineup from their recent 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland. The formidable attacking quartet of Mbappé, Olise, Dembélé, and Doué will lead the charge, supported by a midfield duo of Tchouaméni and Rabiot. The defense will be anchored by the central pairing of Upamecano and Saliba, who also started in their Euro 2024 opener.

Senegal, playing in a 4-3-3 formation, will rely on key players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye, who were initially doubtful but have been cleared to play. Boubacar Jackson is expected to lead the attack, flanked by Sarr and the veteran Mané. The Lions of Teranga will be looking to cause an upset against the French giants.

Fans are gathering in large numbers, with an estimated 5,000 French supporters expected at the stadium. The atmosphere is electric as both teams warm up under good weather conditions, though concerns have been raised about the pitch's quality. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 PM local time.