Football lovers across the globe are up for a treat this evening as France take on one of African continental powerhouses Senegal in their 2026 Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) World Cup group I opener at New York’s New Jersey Stadium.
Kick off is 8 pm Central African Time.
This highly anticipated fixture also carries history for the continent, as Senegal once defeated the then-defending champions France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.
Twenty-four years down the line, the gods of football has brought them back to where the magic began.
In 2002, Papa Bouba Diop stunned the then defending global champions and the result sent the entire continent into celebration.
Fast forward to today, Senegal is back with big names in the likes of Mane, Koulibaly, Mendy and a defence set up well to give anyone some headaches.
On the other hand, France have Mbappe chasing glory, Dembele, Olise, and Cherki flying, and perhaps one the most threatening attack at the World Cup.
While France are favourites, however, Senegal though wearing the underdog tag will not be pushovers.
This appears to be a grudge match with France seeking for a revenge, while Senegal would like to repeat the feat.
Senegal are one of the few nations with an impressive head-to-head record against France.
The Lions of Teranga have won 2 of their 3 meetings with Les Bleus, including the historic 1-0 FIFA World Cup victory in 2002 that sent shockwaves across the football world.
Today, 24 years down the road, the two great nations meet again on football’s biggest stage at the FIFA World Cup.