Nicolas Jackson has this Tuesday (16) the opportunity to shine in Senegal’s debut at the 2026 World Cup. The striker starts the tournament against France, in the first round of Group I, at the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, in the United States, with the mission of exploring spaces, scoring goals and leading the Teranga Lions’ offensive attacks against the favorites.
At 25 years old, Jackson is going through a good phase at Chelsea, where he recorded impressive numbers in the 2025/2026 Premier League, with great use in the area and speed for counterattacks. His presence as the main reference in the Senegalese attack alongside Sadio Mané gives coach Pape Thiaw varied options, who counts on the young man’s eye for goal to complicate life for the French defense.
Jackson, the main Senegalese striker
Senegal arrives motivated after a good campaign in the African Qualifiers, occupying 15th place in the FIFA rankings. With Jackson leading the attack, the African team dreams of repeating the 2002 upset against France, one of the great candidates for the title and third in the rankings. The defense, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly, and Édouard Mendy’s goal complete a competitive and dangerous team in transitions.
On the French side, Didier Deschamps should play Mike Maignan in goal, with Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernández in defense, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot in the middle, and Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Kylian Mbappé in attack.
Historic revenge and goal scoring
The reunion 24 years later carries enormous symbolism. In 2002, Senegal beat France 1-0 in the opening of the World Cup, with a goal from Papa Bouba Diop. Jackson, on the rise in the national team and at the club, has the chance to inspire new surprises and take advantage of the gaps in the French defense with his mobility and finishing. Referee Alireza Faghani commands the duel, which tends to be physical.
Probable Senegal lineup: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté; Camara, Gueye, Sarr; Mané, Jackson and others. France must come with Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé, Doué; Mbappe.
What’s at stake in Group I
A good result against France would already be a big step for Senegal in the group, which still faces Norway and Iraq. For Jackson, the game represents the opportunity to start the tournament with a decisive performance and put his name on display in the World Cup. The stadium should have a large 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 favorites, but Senegal carries the weight of history and the talent of Nicolas Jackson. In World Cups, surprises are common — and the striker can be the big name of the match.
