France enters the field this Tuesday (16) with its strongest possible formation for its debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the starting lineup that includes Mike Maignan in goal, the defense with Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernández, the midfield with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot, and the attack led by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and captain Kylian Mbappé.
Rayan Cherki, Lyon’s young talent, emerges as one of the French bench’s main options. At 22 years old, the attacking midfielder stood out for his creativity, vision of the game and ability to create imbalances, convincing Deschamps to take him on as an important player to change the course of matches, especially in moments that call for inspiration in the final third.
The clash against Senegal, at the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford (USA), opens Group I. The French, runners-up in 2022, are looking to start with a victory to confirm their favoritism in the group that still includes Iraq and Norway.
Confirmed France lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
- Defenders: Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernández
- Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot
- Forwards: Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé (captain)
Senegal confirmed lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Édouard Mendy
- Defenders: Krépin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly (captain), Moussa Niakhaté, El Hadji Malick Diouf
- Midfielders: Lamine Camara, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye
- Forwards: Ismaïla Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané
The game reignites the historic rivalry. In 2002, Senegal eliminated France, then world champions, in their debut with a 1-0 victory. Now, Les Bleus have one of the most talented attacks on the planet, with Cherki among the names who could decide the match coming from the bench.
Deschamps’ choice prioritizes defensive balance with Saliba and Upamecano in the middle, coverage from Tchouaméni and Rabiot, and offensive creativity with Olise between the lines, Dembélé and Doué on the wings. Mbappé is the main reference, but the depth of the squad, with Cherki as an alternative for skill, dribbling and decisive passes, gives the coach options to change the outlook of the game.
For Senegal, coached by Pape Thiaw, the presence of Mané and Jackson in attack represents the main danger. The African team arrives motivated after recent achievements on the continent and with the experience of veterans like Mané and Koulibaly. The mission is to surprise a European powerhouse again and start well in the search for a place in the round of 16.
Where to watch liveThe match, scheduled for 4pm (Brasília time), will be broadcast on SBT, SporTV and streaming platforms such as Globoplay. The referee will be Alireza Faghani.
