Published Jun 9, 5:34am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 9, 5:34am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jun 9, 5:34am ET
Group I is likely considered to be a Group of Death at the FIFA World Cup, with three of the four nations likely to have leading claims for a qualifying spot. On MD1, France and Senegal collide in New Jersey on June 16.
France will be favored to top Group I, as they are among the front-runners to win the tournament. But, could Senegal produce a shock result on matchday one?
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|
|---|---|
| France | -208 |
| DRAW | +345 |
| Senegal | +635 |
Didier Deschamps will likely take charge of France at a major tournament for the final time this summer. The legendary coach has guided the French to the last two finals of the World Cup, and their deep squad ensures that they are among the leading contenders to win the competition this year.
France have won three of their four fixtures in 2026, with Michael Olise showcasing his world-class ability with three goals in a recent win against Northern Ireland.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele will also feature in the French forward line. Their weakness could come in the heart of the midfield, with the aging N’Golo Kante playing alongside Adrien Rabiot.
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There is a real chance that Pape Thiaw’s Senegal are overlooked this summer. Senegal won AFCON in January, although the title was eventually awarded to Morocco.
The Lions of Teranga’s form has been red-hot over the last 18 months, producing a stunning win away from home against England and claiming victories in five of their last six fixtures. Overcoming the odds is nothing new for Senegal, as they produced a stunning 1-0 win against France on MD1 in the 2002 World Cup, and their well-balanced team look set to excel in hot climates this summer.
Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, and Ismaila Sarr ensure that Senegal have attacking talent that could thrive on the counterattack.
I think France could be vulnerable this summer, especially considering that they are yet to play a match on U.S. soil. Therefore, there could be value in taking on the former champions on MD1, with Senegal or the Draw in the Double Chance market being an interesting angle.
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Pick
The Draw and Senegal
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