Les Bleus are flying toward history. Based at Babson College, around thirty kilometers from Boston, the France players are preparing to enter the 2026 World Cup. Their first appointment: Monday, June 16 at 9 p.m., against Senegal at New York's MetLife Stadium. A match of high symbolic value, loaded with painful memories.

A revenge awaited since 2002

On May 31, 2002, during the World Cup in Korea and Japan, Senegal created one of the greatest surprises in world football history. Against the reigning world champions, the Lions of Teranga won 1-0 thanks to a goal by Papa Bouba Diop. That victory remains one of the most painful pages in French football.

Twenty-four years later, the duel is back. This time France enter as favorites, with one of the most talented generations in their history. But the Senegalese, still led by Sadio Mané (34), have not said their last word and remember that precedent very well.

“This symbolic match is in everyone's mind. But it is up to us to write a new page.”

The French squad: a golden generation

The coach has selected 26 players for this World Cup. The group combines experience and youth, with an attacking density rarely seen in the history of Les Bleus.

The attack: Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola, Doué

Kylian Mbappé (26) will be the undisputed star of this World Cup. With 96 caps and 56 goals, he is only one goal away from Olivier Giroud's all-time record (57 goals). Captain of Les Bleus, he could write his name definitively into history as early as June 16 in New York.

Around him, the trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and the highly promising Désiré Doué offers a formidable attacking palette. All in great form in Ligue 1, these players bring speed, technique and unpredictability to the French attack.

Midfield and defense

In midfield, N'Golo Kanté is back at the highest level after difficult seasons. His energy and game intelligence will be precious to balance the team. Alongside him, young Warren Zaïre-Émery (PSG) has emerged as one of the season's revelations with freshness and creativity.

In defense, William Saliba (Arsenal) has established himself as one of the world's best center-backs. Alongside Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), he forms a top-class partnership. At full-back, Théo Hernandez on the left and Malo Gusto on the right bring speed and impact on the wings.

Senegal, a team not to underestimate

Winner of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, Senegal remain a solid team whose players play in Europe's best leagues. Sadio Mané, even at 34, remains a charismatic leader who galvanizes his teammates. Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace) and Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) bring speed and efficiency in attack.

Tactically, the Lions of Teranga can defend in a low block and break quickly on the counter. This is exactly the pattern that trapped France in 2002, and the Senegalese know it.

The tactical stakes

France should play in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with Mbappé central or on the left depending on the opponent's setup. Les Bleus will need to find the right balance from the start, without getting carried away, against an opponent that will want to impose physical intensity.

• French strengths: individual technique, high pressing, attacking depth
• Senegalese strengths: defensive solidity, fast transitions, physical commitment
• Key factor: France's ability to manage Senegalese intensity in the first 20 minutes

Full schedule for Les Bleus in Group I

After this opening match, Les Bleus will have two more group-stage appointments:

• France - Iraq: June 22, 2026
• Norway - France: June 26, 2026

First place in the group is the stated objective. In this new 48-team format, the best third-placed teams also qualify for the round of 16, but Les Bleus have no intention of being surprised from the start.

Where and how to watch the match?

France - Senegal will be broadcast free-to-air on TF1 on Monday, June 16, 2026 at 9 p.m. French time. Kick-off will be at 3:00 p.m. local time. MetLife Stadium, located in New Jersey near New York, can host more than 82,000 spectators for this historic clash.

A dream called the third star

France won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018. It was finalist in 2006 and 2022. Never has it looked so well equipped as in 2026 to win a third world title. But football history always has surprises — and Senegal knows that better than anyone.

On June 16, 2026, Les Bleus will have their first chance to show the world that this generation is ready for history. See you in New York.