France

France enters the 2026 World Cup as defending champions with a clean slate in Group I, though the tournament remains weeks away as of May 10. The squad has not yet played a competitive match in this cycle, leaving their current form and lineup combinations largely untested at the highest level. When the group stage begins, France’s opening fixture against Senegal on June 16 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will be a critical early test. As the home-field advantage in the United States suggests, France is positioned as a favorite in this matchup, but bettors should monitor pre-tournament friendlies and squad news closely. Defending champions often face elevated expectations and heightened pressure, and Senegal presents a disciplined African side capable of exploiting any rust or tactical vulnerabilities. The odds will likely reflect France’s pedigree, but value may emerge if the defending champions show early signs of adjustment struggles or if Senegal’s attacking setup proves more potent than anticipated.