Two-time World Cup champions France begin their 2026 campaign against Senegal, ranked 15th in the world, and you can follow it live with ESPN.

 Two-time World Cup champions France begin their 2026 campaign against Senegal, ranked 15th in the world, and you can follow it live with ESPN.

Didier Deschamps' men are among the favourites to reclaim their crown from 2018 -- having reached the final in 2022 -- but face a difficult opening test in Group I in a previous African Cup of Nations winner, who will be keen to kickstart their own tournament.

- Laurens: Why Michael Olise is the key to France's World Cup chances

- Dove: Senegal 1-0 France remains Africa's biggest World Cup moment, but a repeat wouldn't be a shock

                           France are one of the favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and begin their Group                             campaign against the highly-rated national team of Senegal. The match is a rematch                               of the famous opening game of the 2002 World Cup, when Senegal shocked defending                         champions France with a 1-0 victory. (FIFA)

Key points

• France are two-time World Cup winners (1998 and 2018) and runners-up in 2022. (FIFA)

• Senegal are ranked among the world's strongest teams and are led by stars such as Sadio Mané, while France feature Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. (Reuters)

• Group I also includes Norway and Iraq. (FIFA)

• France manager Didier Deschamps is seeking another World Cup title after guiding France to triumph in 2018. (FIFA)

Expected France lineup

According to reports before kickoff, France started with:

• Mike Maignan

• Jules Koundé

• William Saliba

• Dayot Upamecano

• Theo Hernández

• Aurélien Tchouaméni

• Adrien Rabiot

• Michael Olise

• Ousmane Dembélé

• Désiré Doué

• Kylian Mbappé (Reuters)

Why Michael Olise matters

Many analysts view Michael Olise as a key creative force for France. His ability to create chances, break defensive lines, and link midfield with attack could be crucial if France are to go all the way in the tournament. (The Guardian)

Historical context

Senegal's 1-0 victory over France at the 2002 World Cup remains one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history and is often regarded as one of Africa's greatest moments on football's biggest stage. (FIFA)

If you'd like, I can also give you the latest live score and match updates from France vs Senegal.