France vs. Senegal: World Cup 2026 qualifier details, date, time, and how to watch online

The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign for Group I kicks off Tuesday with a highly anticipated match between France and Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. Argentine time and will be broadcast live on DSports, with online streaming available on DGO and Flow, as well as the Paramount+ platform.

France enters the match as the clear favorite, with betting odds heavily favoring a European victory. The French squad boasts an array of stars, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, who was part of the 2018 World Cup-winning team and the runner-up in 2022. Coach Didier Deschamps leads a team that finished its European qualifiers undefeated.

Senegal, led by Sadio Mané, is a consistent contender in continental tournaments and aims to reach at least the round of 16, a feat they achieved in the 2022 World Cup. However, their recent history includes controversy, as they were stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title "on the desks" after winning on penalties, following a dispute over a referee's decision. Despite this, Senegal secured their World Cup spot through continental qualifiers and had mixed results in preparation friendlies.

The match also holds historical weight, as Senegal was a French colony until 1960. The connection is further highlighted by the presence of several French players with Senegalese heritage, such as PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé. This encounter promises a blend of high-stakes football and underlying cultural narratives.