France vs Senegal: prediction & betting odds 16 June 2026

Form and Line-up France

Deschamps's cycle at the helm of France is coming to an end — after the tournament in North America, Zidane will take charge of the squad. Recent major tournaments have confirmed the team's special status: a final at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a semi-final exit at Euro 2024 against eventual winners Spain (1:2) and bronze in the Nations League. In qualifying, Mbappe and Co. had only one slip-up in six matches, dropping points away to Iceland (2:2) when qualification for the 2026 World Cup had already been secured.

Key Numbers France:

• In Deschamps's team's last 13 matches, they scored at least two goals 12 times.

• France dropped only two points in 2026 World Cup qualifying. The team scored 16 goals in six qualifying matches.

• The squad has by far the most expensive roster at the 2026 World Cup (€1.52bn).

Probable France line-up (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan — Theo Hernandez, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde — Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni — Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele — Kylian Mbappe.

Form and Line-up Senegal

A chaotic Africa Cup of Nations brought Senegal another title, but a couple of months later the outcome of the final against Morocco was overturned. The team were handed a technical defeat (0:3), although they still consider themselves the real winners of the tournament. Perhaps that decision by the leaders of African football affected Thiaw's players. In friendlies against the Americans and the Saudis before the 2026 World Cup, Senegal allowed a combined 3.92 xGA over 180 minutes and never showed a coherent playing structure.

Key Numbers Senegal:

• The Lions have reached the World Cup knockout stage only twice in their history.

• Senegal could not pull clear of DR Congo in qualifying. Thiaw's team secured a direct ticket to the tournament only in the final round.

• The team remained without a win in their pre-World Cup friendlies — a defeat to the USA (2:3) and a draw with Saudi Arabia (0:0).

Probable Senegal line-up (4-2-3-1)

Edouard Mendy — El Hadji Malick Diouf, Moussa Niakhate, Kalidou Koulibaly, Krepin Diatta — Lamine Camara, Pape Cisse — Sadio Mane, Habib Diarra, Iliman Ndiaye — Nicolas Jackson.

Who will referee the match 

Alireza Faghani (Australia) 

Matches – 13 (International matches, 2025 - 2026);

Average fouls per match – 22;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 4,4;

Matches with a straight red card – 2 out of 13;

Matches with a penalty – 2 out of 13.