How to watch France v Senegal, team news, predicted line-ups and more | OneFootball

World Cup favourites France kick off their tournament on Tuesday when they face Senegal.

Didier Deschamps is hoping to go out on a high in his last tournament in charge of his national side by winning another World Cup.

But they face tough opposition in their opening game. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of that clash…

Kick-off time in the UK

8pm, Tuesday June 16

How to watch in the UK

TV channel: BBC One

Streaming: BBC iPlayer

Team news

Arsenal defender William Saliba’s fitness was a doubt going into the tournament but he is expected to be fit for the opening game.

Predicted line-ups

France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe

Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; Diouf, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diatta; Pape Gueye, Gana Gueye, Diarra; Mane, Jackson, I Ndiaye

Recent form

France suffered a shock defeat to Ivory Coast in a warm-up friendly before the World Cup, before bouncing back with 3-1 win against Northern Ireland. That defeat to Ivory Coast was the only game they have lost in the past year.

Senegal’s two friendlies before the start of the tournament saw them lose 3-2 to USA and then play out a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia. They were victorious at AFCON 2026 by beating Morocco in the final but later had that title stripped from them because of their conduct during the game.

What’s been said?

Deschamps on Senegal: “On paper, you can see what Senegal did during the last AFCON, and they have a very high level of player, of team.

“Senegal are one of the best African countries, one of the best teams in the world, so we know what to expect in this game.

“They have everything, excellent players at top clubs, great attacking quality, an outstanding midfield. They were very effective at the last competition, have a very high athletic intensity, and have many players with high technical skills.

“They will know what to expect as well, and it will be a duel – a high-level duel – a proper confrontation for the first game.”

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw: “We can face any team. Humbly, we’re very ambitious but not arrogant. We can beat any team, but we can also lose to any team if we don’t do things right. We’re ready to start this competition well, which is always a good thing.”