Senegal predicted XI v France: Mamadou Sarr in place of Kalidou Koulibaly? | OneFootball

Senegal will face France in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Tuesday night in what is a repeat of the 2002 opener. 

Pape Thiaw was in the squad that shocked Les Bleus 24 years ago and he will look to pull off another shock, this time as manager. Thiaw has a full squad to pick from. However, L’Équipe understands that Kalidou Koulibaly, who has returned from injury but may be lacking in sharpness, could miss out. It is Mamadou Sarr who could start in his place. The Chelsea defender’s pace against France’s attack may be favoured.

Idriss Gueye is another player returning from injury and he is expected to start in the Senegal midfield, alongside AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara.

Senegal likely line-up v France

Edouard Mendy; El Hadji Malick Diouf, Moussa Niakhaté, Mamadou Sarr, Krépin Diatta; Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara; Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle