Expert Picks

Perhaps Spain's draw yesterday vs. Cape Verde was the worst possible result for a team like Senegal in terms of pulling an upset today because I'm sure Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps made it a point to address that result to his guys ahead of this match. At No. 17 in the world, Senegal is miles better than Cape Verde and was the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations champion before that was stripped for non-competitive reasons. France's last outright loss in a WC opener was to Senegal in 2002. Not expecting that but hoping for another surprise draw today (or even a one-goal loss). Both teams have scored in France's past five matches overall dating to November. If Senegal scores, I'm feeling pretty good here.

This French national team is dangerous. France have one of the best attacks in all of football with Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele. They are a powerhouse of a side, but what makes them even tougher is the balance behind that attack. The midfield is strong, and the defense is still vastly underrated. Senegal are a fun team and dominant in their own right, but this feels like a tough step up in class. France have too much quality across the pitch, and I think they can eventually pull away. Give me France -1. If they only win by one, I can live with the push.

This should be an entertaining game between two talented teams. France boasts the best attack in world soccer, featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Michael Olise, so Les Bleus should score at least two goals in this game. Senegal’s forwards are also very dangerous – especially Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr – so we should see plenty of goals in this match.