FrankreichgegenSenegal

France meet Senegal at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, match 17 of the tournament and an opening statement — first impressions in a three-game sprint carry real weight. Group I sends its top two through automatically, with the eight best third-placed teams across all twelve groups also advancing — so neither side can afford a flat ninety minutes.

New York / New Jersey provides the stage — hosts the World Cup final on 19 July 2026 — the destination every team is chasing. Kickoff is 15:00 stadium time (EDT); fans of France and Senegal can check the exact hour back home in the times panel below.