The World Cup is finally here, and the first big test for defending champions France comes in the form of a familiar African powerhouse. Didier Deschamps’ squad isn’t just chasing a third star in eight years — they’re trying to survive a Group I that also features Norway and Iraq. But the talk of the locker room in New Jersey this week has been all about William Saliba.
The Arsenal center-back arrived at camp nursing a back injury that, according to reports, could eventually require surgery. For a tournament that runs through heat and humidity on American soil, that’s the kind of headline no manager wants. Yet here we are: Saliba is back in full training and has been cleared to start alongside Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano in central defense.
Deschamps, who has led France to back-to-back World Cup finals, faced a tough call in attack as well. With Kylian Mbappe headlining a star-studded lineup, the big question was who would fill the creative slots around him.
The French Attack Takes Shape
Michael Olise earned the nod on the right after a blistering warm-up campaign — including a hat-trick against Northern Ireland — and looks ready to punish defenses stretching to contain Mbappe. Ousmane Dembele has been operating as a No.10 in friendlies and keeps that role here, with PSG’s Desire Doue completing an explosive front three.
What stands out? The depth on the bench. Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola, and Marcus Thuram are all waiting to be unleashed, which means Deschamps can adjust tactics late without losing firepower. In holding midfield, the trusted duo of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot will anchor things, allowing the forwards to roam.
Senegal’s Veteran Core Bids for Upset
Pape Thiaw’s Senegal side may be without the AFCON crown they won in 2021, but this is still a team packed with Premier League and La Liga talent. Edouard Mendy starts in goal, protected by a back four featuring veteran captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhate at center-back, flanked by El Hadji Malick Diouf and Krepin Diatta.
In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye plays the deep-lying role, with Pape Gueye and Lamine Camara providing energy on either side. Up top, the headline trio of Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, and Ismaila Sarr gives Senegal genuine speed and menace on the counter.
France will control possession, but Senegal’s transition game is dangerous enough to punish any defensive lapse — especially if Saliba shows any rust from the injury layoff.
Both teams know that Group I could come down to goal difference, so this early matchup carries weight well beyond three points. Kickoff in New Jersey sets the stage for what should be an open, high-energy opener between two nations with very different World Cup trajectories.
Starting XIs
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe
Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diouf; Pape Gueye, Gana Gueye, Camara; Mane, Jackson, Sarr
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