Having waited patiently, the time has finally arrived for France and Senegal to get their World Cup 2026 campaigns underway with a fascinating meeting in New Jersey.
Les Bleus will be targeting a third consecutive final place having won the tournament in 2018 and lost arguably the greatest final of all time to Argentina in Qatar four years ago.
But Senegal – who were controversially stripped of their Afcon title after farcical scenes in the final against Morocco – will prove tough opposition in a stacked Group I, which also contains Erling Haaland-led Norway.
Both sides have had a mixed build-up to the tournament, with Senegal beating Peru and Gambia before losing to co-hosts USA and drawing with Saudi Arabia, while Didier Deschamps’ men lost 2-1 to the Ivory Coast before seeing off Northern Ireland 3-1.
Kick-off in New Jersey is 3pm ET (8pm BST) and you can follow every meaningful kick right here.
France 0-0 Senegal
53’ – Olise goes close! The Bayern winger runs at an angle from a central position after receiving a pass from Kounde. But Mendy comes off his line quickly, makes himself big and makes a good stop. From the corner Mendy catches a sub-standard delivery. France, however, are definitely threatening to purr.
France 0-0 Senegal
50’ – France are playing with a lot more intent and Senegal are yet to really get on the ball since the restart.
France 0-0 Senegal
47’ – Doue, who was anonymous in the opening period, shuffles forward from the No.10 position and takes a pop. The shot is wide but that is, in the immortal words of Andy Townsend from his tactics truck, better from France.
Restarted! France 0-0 Senegal
We are back underway. All the posh seats remain vacant. Concourses must be busy. Neither side has made a change.
Warnings for France
A rather underwhelming first half but Senegal had the two best chances, through Jackson and Sarr. Some warnings for France there. Their own superstar-studded attack has failed to gel.
Half-time! France 0-0 Senegal
And that is the last act of a compelling first half. Senegal have been edging it, France have been disappointing.
France 0-0 Senegal
51’ – There’s still one more chance for Senegal. But Sarr has wasted it! Diouf plays in Mane down the left and the former Liverpool man sends in a low cross. Sarr meets it at the back post but messes up his approach and instead blasts over.
France 0-0 Senegal
50’ – Ticking into the last minute. France passing it around with no sense of urgency. Senegal, again, drop off for a moment. No one is in a hurry approaching the break but no doubting who the happier coach will be.
