France vs Senegal betting tips: Africans can cause favourites a headache
One of the standout fixtures of the opening round takes place on Tuesday evening as World Cup heavyweights France take on a dangerous Senegal side in Group I.
Odds Now football tipster Matt Hill takes a closer look at the contest and picks out his best betting angles ahead of kick-off.
Competition – 2026 FIFA World Cup – Group Stage, Matchday #1
Date - Tuesday June 16th, 2026
Kick off - 3pm local time (EDT) / 8pm Tuesday UK time
Venue – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV channels – BBC1/ BBC iPlayer (UK), FOX Sports (US)
Match Winner - France 1.51, Draw 4.50, Senegal 8.00
Over 2.5 goals - Yes 1.93, No 2.04
Both Teams To Score - Yes 2.10, No 1.89
*Odds taken from Betfair Exchange on Monday June 15th at 11pm. Subject to change.
France arrive in the United States carrying the burden of expectation once again after falling agonisingly short of World Cup glory four years ago.
Les Bleus were beaten finalists in Qatar and are widely expected to challenge for the trophy once more, with many bookmakers installing them among the tournament favourites alongside Spain. Given the depth of talent available to Didier Deschamps, it's easy to understand why.
This tournament will also bring the curtain down on one of the most successful managerial reigns in international football history. Deschamps has already spent 14 years in charge of the national side and confirmed that he will step aside following the World Cup. While his pragmatic style has not always won universal acclaim among supporters, few can dispute his achievements.
A World Cup triumph this summer would undoubtedly cement Deschamps' place among the greatest international managers of all time and potentially elevate him to near-mythical status in his homeland.
France's squad is stacked with quality throughout, particularly in attacking areas. Kylian Mbappe remains the headline act and is once again expected to carry a significant goalscoring burden, while Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue provide a frightening amount of creativity and pace behind him.
If there is one slight concern, it may be at the back. France's attacking depth is arguably unmatched, but there are fewer options in defensive positions and full-back in particular remains an area where opponents may fancy their chances of finding success against this side.
There are no major injury concerns heading into this opener, although Arsenal defender William Saliba has reportedly been managing a back issue that may require surgery at some stage in the future.
The expectation is that he will start here, however, while Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate is waiting in the wings should Deschamps decide not to take any risks.
Senegal have spent the last decade establishing themselves as one of the most respected international sides outside football's traditional elite and will head into this tournament believing they can cause problems for anyone.
The Lions of Teranga have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to compete with top opposition and their recent record contains plenty of evidence to support that claim. Last summer, they stunned England with a 3-1 victory at the City Ground, handing the Three Lions one of their rare defeats under Thomas Tuchel.
Technically, Senegal also lifted the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year before subsequently being stripped of the title in controversial circumstances. Regardless of the off-field developments that followed, the tournament once again showcased the quality and resilience within this squad.
Aliou Cisse continues to favour a disciplined and compact approach, with Senegal often at their most dangerous when absorbing pressure before launching devastating counter-attacks. That tactical blueprint has served them extremely well over the years and should be particularly suited to facing possession-heavy sides such as France.
The midfield remains a major strength. Veteran holding midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye continues to dictate proceedings from deep, while Villarreal's Pape Gueye and Sunderland's Habib Diarra offer energy, physicality and quality on either side of him.
Further forward, there is no shortage of pace and power. Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line, with Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr and exciting youngster Ibrahim Mbaye all competing for places in the supporting roles.
Senegal have no significant injury concerns coming into the tournament and will view this fixture as a genuine opportunity rather than a free hit. While France rightly start as strong favourites, Cisse's side possess enough quality and athleticism to make life extremely uncomfortable for one of the tournament frontrunners.
"As Spain's stalemate with minnows Cape Verde showed on Monday, even supposedly kind opening games in a major tournament can go wrong.
"When Senegal stunned France in their opening game of the 2002 World Cup, it was considered a seismic shock. But though France are firm favourites 24 years on, I'm not sure anyone would be surprised to see Senegal get a result here of some sort.
"These are the champions of Africa in everything but name and, as England fans saw up close last summer, have the pace and precision in transition to harm any elite nation.
"In our pre-tournament outright preview, I highlighted France as my likeliest winners this summer and I stand by that. But this opening contest is unlikely to be a complete stroll in the park for them and at the prices, I have to back BTTS at 2.20.
"Didier Deschamps' men will dominate the ball and that will suit Aliou Cisse's underdogs just fine. They only need a handful of counter-attacking opportunities to do serious damage and against a French defence likely to be feeling a bit of rust, I fancy them to breach the Les Bleus backline at least once – though keeping a shutout looks a step to far.
"France should have plenty of attempts on goal and that's why I'm also chancing Michael Olise – off the back of a sensational season with Bayern Munich – to register over 1.5 shots on target at a generous 3.75 with Bet365.
"Olise has never been shot shy but seems to have taken his output to new levels in recent times, averaging over four attempts on goal per game at club level this season (and nearly half of those on target).
"He netted a superb hat-trick in France's final warm-up game, a 3-1 defeat of Northern Ireland, and I suspect he may be the star to shine brightest of all in this fabulous side over the coming weeks."
2pts - Both Teams To Score - 2.20 (various)
1pt - Michael Olise over 1.5 shots on target - 3.75 (Bet365)
Total staked - 3pts
All prices correct as of 11pm on Monday June 15th, 2026. 18+. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
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