France head coach Didier Deschamps has described Senegal as one of the toughest opponents his side could have faced in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Les Bleus begin their Group I campaign against the Teranga Lions at the New York-New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday, with Deschamps calling for caution despite France being among the favourites to win the tournament.
The French manager stressed the importance of making a winning start but admitted that opening matches at the World Cup often come with added pressure and emotion.
“The first match is very important, but it’s not decisive,” Deschamps told reporters on Monday.
“Starting with a victory in a four-team group is ideal and that is always our objective.
“But the one thing we cannot measure is the emotional aspect. Some players can become tense because of the atmosphere around the game.”
Deschamps Praises Senegal’s Quality
The former France captain was full of praise for Senegal, insisting the African side possesses the quality and experience to make life difficult for his team.
“Senegal are a very, very high-level opponent,” he said.
The Teranga Lions arrive at the tournament with a squad filled with experienced internationals and talented players competing in some of Europe’s top leagues. Their physical style, tactical discipline and recent success on the African continent have made them one of the continent’s most respected teams.
Senegal also carry fond memories of facing France at the World Cup. In 2002, the African nation stunned the defending champions with a famous 1-0 victory in the tournament’s opening match, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
However, Deschamps dismissed suggestions that Tuesday’s encounter is about revenge.
France Looking Beyond The Hype
Despite France’s status as one of the tournament favourites, Deschamps warned against looking too far ahead.
“People are already talking about us being there on July 19, and I don’t really like that.
“Yes, we might be one of the best teams, but there are important steps before you can think about going that far.”
France enter the tournament with high expectations after reaching the last two World Cup finals, winning the trophy in 2018 before finishing runners-up in 2022.
The 2026 edition could also mark the end of an era for French football.
Deschamps, who captained France to World Cup glory in 1998 and later guided the national team to the 2018 title as coach, is expected to step down after the tournament, ending a remarkable 14-year spell in charge of Les Bleus.
With the spotlight firmly on France, the opening clash against Senegal represents more than just the first game of the tournament—it is the first step in their quest to deliver a fitting farewell to one of the country’s most successful managers.
