Senegal's national football team will face France on Tuesday in the opening match of Group I at the 2026 World Cup in the United States [1, 2]. The clash recalls a historic moment from 24 years ago, when Senegal beat France 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup. Pape Thiaw was on the sidelines then as a player but unable to participate, and now returns to the bench as Senegal’s head coach [1, 2].
In a preparatory press conference on June 15, Thiaw reflected on his unique position. "Tomorrow I will be on the bench and it's a bit special. I was also on the bench in 2002 because I could not play and tomorrow I will be on the bench too but I will be given the keys," he said [2]. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete, stating, "African football has changed a lot in recent years. We saw it at the last World Cup ... it's not a surprise anymore. Is it a surprise if Senegal beats France? Well, no, because we have world class players" [2].
Senegal has qualified for its third consecutive World Cup, underscoring the nation’s rising football profile [1, 2]. However, the team comes into the tournament after being stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title earlier in 2026 [1, 2].
Complications have arisen regarding Senegalese supporters attending the tournament. Visa and security challenges tied to U.S. travel restrictions have affected fans attempting to support the team in person [1, 2]. Thiaw acknowledged the impact but vowed that the strong Senegalese community in the U.S. will passionately back the team. "Of course we would like to have our fans, we know what they can do for us. But we have a major Senegalese community (in the U.S.) and we know the Senegalese are very patriotic ... you will see this tomorrow. You won't even believe it that no..." he said [2].
Senegal and France will play their match on Tuesday, June 16, opening Group I in the World Cup. The game marks a full circle moment for Thiaw and his team, offering Senegal a chance to seek a landmark victory 24 years after their original upset over France [1, 2].