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Senegal set to face France in World Cup opener with lineup changes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 8:25 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Senegal set to face France in World Cup opener with lineup changes

Summary

Senegal is preparing to face France in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Tuesday night, a repeat of their 2002 match. Manager Pape Thiaw has a full squad to choose from, but Kalidou Koulibaly may miss out due to injury concerns, with Mamadou Sarr likely to start in his place. Idriss Gueye is expected to join the midfield alongside Lamine Camara. The match is significant as Senegal looks to create a similar upset as they did 24 years ago.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Match scheduled for Tuesday night
•Kalidou Koulibaly may not start due to injury
•Mamadou Sarr could replace Koulibaly
•Idriss Gueye expected to play in midfield
•Senegal seeks to replicate 2002 upset against France

Latest Updates

8:25 AMYahoo Sports — Senegal predicted XI v France: Mamadou Sarr in place of Kalidou Koulibaly?

What they're saying

"
Senegal will face France in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Tuesday night in what is a repeat of the 2002 opener. Pape Thiaw was in the squad that shocked Les Bleus 24 years ago and he will loo...
— Yahoo Sports

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