France and Senegal prepare for 2026 World Cup Group 9 opening match

The French national team is scheduled to face Senegal in the opening match for Group 9 of the 2026 World Cup. France, managed by Didier Deschamps, has announced its starting lineup: Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Olise, Doue, Dembele, and Mbappe. Senegal, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, will field a squad featuring Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf, Camara, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye, Sarr, Mane, and Jackson. The match is part of the initial stage of the tournament. In the second match of the group, Iraq is scheduled to play against Norway at 01:00. These fixtures mark the commencement of competition for the teams involved in Group 9.