France vs Senegal preview: Mbappe, Saliba and the 2002 shadow

France's opener against Senegal is being framed as more than a standard World Cup start. The old meeting from 2002 still hangs over it, William Saliba has had a back problem and Kylian Mbappé arrives with milestones within reach. The match is set for France vs Senegal.

Why Saliba and Mbappe shape the build-up

Saliba had a back issue, was tipped as a possible surgery concern and has since resumed full training. That does not guarantee anything about the line-up, but it does keep him in the conversation for France as they prepare for Senegal.

Mbappe is the bigger football problem for Senegal. He has 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances and 3 assists at the tournament, so France do not need a perfect performance from him to feel the benefit. He also scored 8 goals in 7 matches at the 2022 World Cup, which is exactly why any opener involving him draws extra attention.

France’s only head-to-head win in the three previous meetings came against two Senegal victories. That record is enough to stop anyone treating this as a routine fixture, especially with the 2002 opener still part of the conversation.

Senegal have reasons to fancy their chances

Senegal have reached their third successive World Cup, which is a decent marker of where they are now. They are not just there to make up the numbers, and the history against France backs that up.

Their recent personnel also gives them something to work with. Ismaïla Sarr scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, while Nicolas Jackson was sent off for two bookable offences in Senegal's 0-0 friendly with Saudi Arabia. That red card does not carry over, so the World Cup angle remains about form and selection rather than suspension.

Thomas Tuchel's blunt 1/10 verdict on referee Clement Turpin in a separate officiating dispute is a reminder that tournament games can become tense fast. France vs Senegal already has enough of its own pressure without needing much extra help.

France will still lean on Mbappe's tournament record, and Senegal have already shown enough in the matchup to make this feel live rather than ceremonial. The opener is about whether France can handle the old history, keep Saliba available and let Mbappe do what he usually does in this competition.