A review of all matches between Senegal and France before their 2026 World Cup game reveals some strange but true facts.
On 16 June 2026, a review is opened of all matches between the national teams of France and Senegal before they meet in the 2026 World Cup group stage, Group I. The first match will take place tonight at 02:00, early morning Wednesday, 17 June, Thai time.
These two teams have met a total of three times in all competitions, but only once in a World Cup final tournament, during the 2002 World Cup. That was Senegal’s first World Cup appearance, and the game ended with a surprising upset.
In that match, 1998 World Cup champion France was defeated by newcomer Senegal in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup, Group A, co-hosted by Japan and South Korea. The final score was 0-1, with the winning goal scored by Papa Bouba Diop in the 30th minute.
The other two encounters were amateur matches, with each team winning one game. However, counting only professional-level competitions, France has never beaten Senegal.
17 July 1956 (friendly match): Senegal 2-9 France
19 April 1963 (friendly match): Senegal 2-0 France
31 May 2002 (friendly match): France 0-1 Senegal
