World Cup 2026: France and Senegal play out goalless first half

France and Senegal went into half-time level at 0-0 in their Group I opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026, underway here at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.

France enjoyed the possession, but Senegal had one shot on target in five attempts, while their opponents attempted only one shot, which missed the target.

Group I of the 2026 World Cup is called the Group of Death, as there are 2018 winners and 2022 runners-up France, African giants Senegal, who are ranked 15th in FIFA, Iraq, ranked 57th, and Norway, ranked 31st.

The two teams have met once before at the FIFA World Cup, with Senegal famously winning 1-0 in 2002.

France are one of the favourites in the tournament, and their preparations have gone well, winning four of their five previous matches. Their only defeat came against Brazil in Foxborough, when they were edged 2-1. Following that result, Didier Deschamps' side defeated Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire and Northern Ireland.

Senegal have also done well while preparing for World Cup 2026, the Lions of Teranga won three of their last five games before the mega event. Their most impressive performance came against the USA in Charlotte when they won 3-2, while their final send-off saw a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in San Antonio.

France starting XI

Mike Maignan; Theo Hernández, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Aurelién Tchouaméni; Desiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise; Kylian Mbappé

Senegal starting XI

Édouard Mendy; El Hadji Malick Diouf, Moussa Niakhaté, Kalidou Koulibaly, Krépin Diatta; Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara; Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr