France Prepares for World Cup Clash Against Senegal Amid Historical Context

As France prepares to face Senegal in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, head coach Didier Deschamps dismisses the idea of revenge for their past defeat. With Kylian Mbappe under scrutiny and N'Golo Kante returning from injury, the team aims to unite and focus on their journey ahead. Senegal, a formidable opponent, is recognized for its strong players and competitive spirit. This match promises to be a thrilling start to the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 07:18 IST

France's World Cup Journey Begins

Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France, has downplayed any notions of revenge as his team gears up for their FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Senegal. This matchup is particularly significant as Senegal was the team that handed France a narrow 1-0 defeat 24 years ago, leading to France's unexpected exit in the group stage of the 2002 tournament, where they were the defending champions. Under the leadership of Kylian Mbappe, France aims to secure their third World Cup title when they face Senegal in New Jersey on Wednesday. Senegal, having reached the round of 16 in the last World Cup in Qatar, also made it to the quarterfinals in 2002.

Deschamps on the Concept of Revenge

In a pre-match statement, Deschamps emphasized that 'there is no revenge in football.' He noted that most of the current squad members were not alive to witness the 2002 loss. He remarked, 'This is history, but even N'Golo Kante, I am not sure he saw the game. Nearly all of my players were not born in 2002. I know that you like this word 'revenge,' but there is no revenge in football.'

Defending Champions Under Pressure

The 2018 World Cup champions, who were runners-up to Argentina in 2022, will face intense scrutiny in New Jersey. Kylian Mbappe, their captain and star striker, has been under fire from analysts despite his strong performances in two seasons with Real Madrid, where he has not secured a major title. This criticism has followed him to the US, especially after failing to score in warm-up matches against the Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland.

Deschamps Acknowledges Senegal's Quality

Deschamps praised Senegal, stating they possess 'excellent players who compete in top clubs.' He highlighted their offensive capabilities and strong midfield, saying, 'When you are part of the best teams, you have got everything.'

Kante Advocates for Team Unity

Kante, who played a vital role in France's 2018 World Cup victory, returns to the squad after missing the last tournament due to injury. He anticipates a challenging midfield battle against Senegal. Kante expressed, 'We want to be part of this squad and to have everyone on board; everybody counts, everybody is important. I believe it is crucial to trust our team. We need to go as far as possible in the competition... Our main opponent is ourselves. We must stay united and focused.'