World Cup
2026-06-16 - France vs Senegal
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football : World: FIFA World Cup - Group I
Venue: MetLife Stadium
Tuesday 16th June 2026, 1400hrs (local)
France will head into this upcoming World Cup on the back of some promising results in recent weeks, not least their final warm-up game against Northern Ireland in a convincing 3-1 win as Les Bleus look to give their national coach, Didier Deschamps, a fitting end to his tenure with France.
France will take on Senegal in their opening game in Group I in positive mood as Deschamps’ side have collected no fewer than nine wins within their last 11 matches and the French have also been well acquainted with the back of the net as well, with each of their last nine internationals on the trot resulting in Over 2 goals scored.
Deschamps will therefore be eager to see his side take control of this upcoming fixture and later on down the track in this tournament, will be keen to prove that he has been no ‘water carrier’ for the French national side, contrary to Eric Cantona’s beliefs!
Senegal narrowly edged DR Congo for a top spot finish in the African section of the World Cup qualifiers in Group B to take their place in this upcoming World Cup finals but despite picking up back-to-back wins in recent international friendlies against the likes of Peru and Gambia, subsequent results have taken a downturn.
A 3-2 loss against co-hosts, USA, followed by a disappointing 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia will only increase early pressure upon the Senegalese as they prepare to take on last edition’s losing finalists at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Nevertheless, the Lions of Teranga have picked up seven wins out of their last 11 internationals and this will give Pape Thiaw and his squad plenty of encouragement as they plot an early French downfall.
The Betting Verdict
Senegal famously inflicted an upset over France with a 1-0 win back in 2002 but the French squad possesses a plethora of attacking talent and Les Bleus should come out on top in this one.
The Pick :
France 2-1 Senegal
