France’s national football team, featuring stars Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Senegal’s “Lions of Teranga” at MetLife Stadium. This match marks the opening of Group I in the qualifying process. Senegal is hoping to replicate their historic upset victory over France at the 2002 World Cup in Seoul. The game represents a significant early test for both teams as they vie for a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. France enters the match as favorites, but Senegal aims to challenge them. The presence of Ballon d'Or winner Dembélé adds further intrigue to the contest. This fixture is a key moment in the early stages of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.