Adrien Rabiot has this Tuesday (16) the chance to reinforce his fundamental role in France’s midfield in the opening of the 2026 World Cup. The AC Milan midfielder starts the tournament against Senegal, in the first round of Group I, at the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, in the United States, with the mission of recovering balls, distributing the game and providing balance to Didier Deschamps’ star team.
At 31 years old, Rabiot is enjoying a consistent moment at Milan, where he arrived in September 2025. In the 2025/2026 season, he registered 6 goals and 4 assists in 29 Serie A games, showing versatility as a box-to-box player and a high level of minutes played. His experience and ability to dictate the pace are valuable to the coach, who has one of the deepest midfields in the World Cup.
Rabiot, the balancer of France
France arrives at the World Cup as one of the main favorites for the title, occupying an elite position in the FIFA rankings. With Rabiot alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni and others like Warren Zaïre-Emery, the midfield has the strength to control the game and unleash the talent of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise in attack. In defense, names like William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé and Theo Hernández complete a solid block.
On the Senegalese side, Pape Thiaw should use Édouard Mendy in goal and Kalidou Koulibaly in defense. Senegal, 15th in the ranking, dreams of repeating the feat of 2002, when they beat France 1-0 in the opening of the Korea and Japan Cup, with a goal from Papa Bouba Diop. The Teranga Lions have the experience of Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson.
Experience and historical reunion
The confrontation 24 years later carries strong symbolism. Rabiot, a recurring player in the Deschamps cycle and with obvious maturity, has the opportunity to shine in his World Cup and impose his presence in midfield. His ability to transition and duel will be essential to neutralize Senegalese’s quick attacks. Referee Alireza Faghani commands the duel, which promises physical intensity.
Probable France lineup: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé, Doué; Mbappe. Senegal must come with Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté; and strikers like Mané and Jackson.
What’s at stake in Group I
A victory for France practically advances the classification, considering the superior squad. For Rabiot, the game represents the chance to start the tournament with a full performance and reinforce its importance in the tactical scheme. The stadium must have a significant audience, with mixed fans.
Where to watch live
In Brazil, transmission is carried out by SBT on an open signal, with options also on Globoplay and other platforms. The ball rolls at 4pm (Brasília time).
France enters as favorite, but history warns of Senegal’s danger. Rabiot and the French midfield have everything to command respect from the first minute.
