France and Senegal have named their starters for a World Cup 2026 Group I opener led by Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson.
France have named Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise in their starting attack for tonight’s World Cup 2026 Group I opener against Senegal, Varzesh3 reported, setting up a high-profile group-stage meeting between two teams carrying major expectations.
Didier Deschamps’ team enter the tournament with another star-heavy squad after coming within penalties of retaining the World Cup in 2022, when France lost a dramatic final to Argentina. Senegal, beaten 3-0 by England in the knockout stage four years ago, begin this campaign looking for a stronger first step.
France are listed in a 4-2-3-1 with Mike Maignan in goal behind Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernandez. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot form the double pivot, with Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué supporting Mbappé.
The shape puts Mbappé at the point of the attack, Dembélé behind him and Olise and Doué from the wide areas. It also gives France a familiar blend of athletic defenders and ball-winning midfielders as Deschamps opens another World Cup campaign under high expectations.
Senegal’s leading names are also in from the start. Edouard Mendy is named in goal, with Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaté in central defense and Krépin Diatta and Abdou Diouf as the fullbacks. The report’s tactical breakdown lists Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara and Idrissa Gueye as the midfield three, while its appended team list also names Habib Diarra.
Up front, Senegal are set to lean on Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, a line with pace, experience and a central target capable of troubling France’s back four. Mané and Koulibaly give Senegal proven tournament leadership, while Jackson offers a direct outlet against one of the competition’s deepest squads.
The opener gives both teams an immediate test in Group I: France must turn its individual quality into control from the first whistle, while Senegal have a chance to change the tone from their last World Cup exit with a result against one of the tournament’s marquee sides.
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