Group I rivals France and Senegal will face each other in repeat of the 2002 Fifa World Cup opener.
Group I of the 2026 Fifa World Cup is set to kick off today, bringing together a fascinating mix of former champions, historic giant-killers, a generational superstar, and a nation ending a 40-year wait.
Comprising France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq, this group offers some of the most compelling narratives of the tournament's opening round. France and Senegal certainly enjoy a rich Fifa World Cup history and their clash at the New York/New Jersey Stadium will inevitably stir memories of the 2002 World Cup opening match.
In that famous encounter, Senegal shocked defending champions France with a 1-0 upset. France will be desperate to avoid a repeat, while Senegal will look to channel the spirit of 2002 to claim another historic result.
The two-time World Cup winners are making their eighth consecutive appearance at the finals. Didier Deschamps’ squad enters the tournament as one of the heavyweights, though they face an opening match heavily steeped in history. They are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and are seeking a third consecutive final appearance after winning in Russia before finishing runners-up to Argentina in Qatar.
