France Takes On Senegal in a High-Stakes World Cup Clash: Key Predictions, Tactical Breakdowns, and Expected Lineups

France vs. Senegal is a fixture steeped in World Cup history, and the two sides meet once more at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.

Group I, which also includes Norway and Iraq, was labeled the tournament's 'Group of Death' when the draw was conducted last December, with France considered among the frontrunners to lift a third World Cup title this summer.

Senegal, meanwhile, remains hopeful of being restored as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped the title following the walkoff incident. Ranked 15th globally, the current Lions of Teranga possess considerably more quality than the side that shocked their former colonial rulers at the opening of the 2002 World Cup.

Their quarterfinal run on debut has yet to be surpassed, but expectations are high for Aliou Cissé's talented and experienced squad this summer, despite the challenging group draw.

France came agonizingly close to making history in Qatar, with fate ultimately favoring Argentina, and now aims to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals this summer.

France vs. Senegal Score Prediction

France Avenge '02 Humiliation

The memory of the late Papa Bouba Diop will loom large in the lead-up to Tuesday's clash, with Senegal eager to replicate the magic of 2002. They enter as underdogs in New Jersey, though a positive result for the West Africans would not come as a major shock.

This is a formidable Senegalese side, with their cohesion and attacking threat on full display throughout an unbeaten qualifying campaign. France also navigated their path to North America with relative ease, but the pressure on Didier Deschamps's squad is immense.

Les Bleus' manager must find the right equilibrium within this squad, as their Group I rivals are capable of capitalizing on any defensive vulnerabilities.

Prediction: France 3–1 Senegal

France Predicted Lineup vs. Senegal

France's attacking arsenal is, quite simply, extraordinary. Kylian Mbappé leads the line as the No. 9, supported by Ballon d'Or contender Michael Olise and reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé operating behind him.

Deschamps faces a decision between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola on the left flank, with the Paris Saint-Germain duo reportedly neck-and-neck in the pecking order. Rayan Cherki will be available from the bench, ready to influence the game in the second half.

William Saliba has recovered from a back problem and is virtually certain to start alongside Dayot Upamecano throughout the tournament. Jules Koundé and Theo Hernández represent potential vulnerabilities at fullback.

Adrien Rabiot is among Deschamps's most reliable figures, with the AC Milan midfielder expected to start alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni in the center of the park. The 35-year-old N'Golo Kanté also remains an option.

France predicted lineup vs. Senegal (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Doué; Mbappé.

Senegal Predicted Lineup vs. France

Sadio Mané was heartbreakingly absent from the 2022 World Cup due to a knee injury, meaning the all-time Senegalese legend will be desperate to make his mark in North America this summer.

Mané may no longer be plying his trade among Europe's finest, but he remains the player France will need to be most cautious of at MetLife Stadium.

Yet talent is spread throughout this Senegal squad. Iliman Ndiaye provides variety in the final third, striker Nicolas Jackson is a constant threat in front of goal, and Ismaïla Sarr poses a clear danger on the counter. Jackson remains available despite receiving a red card against Saudi Arabia in a pre-tournament friendly.

A central midfield pairing of Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye appears well-balanced; there is energy at fullback and composure at the core of Senegal's defensive line. Kalidou Koulibaly marshals a backline shielded by former Chelsea shot-stopper Édouard Mendy in goal.

Assane Diao and Cherif Ndiaye are doubts due to knocks.

Senegal predicted lineup vs. France (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Camara, P. Gueye; Sarr, Ndiaye, Mané; Jackson.

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James Cormack is a freelance soccer writer for Sports Illustrated FC. An expert on Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, he covers Italian and German football, with a particular focus on the work of Antonio Conte & Julian Nagelsmann.