France vs Senegal immediately brings back memories of their famous meeting in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea. On that occasion, defending world champions France were stunned 1-0 by World Cup debutants Senegal in one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.
Nearly a quarter-century later, France have faced numerous African nations in both competitive fixtures and friendlies, but this will be their first meeting with Senegal since that historic encounter.
The match will be officiated by experienced Iranian referee Alireza Faghani, one of the most respected officials in world football. This tournament marks his third consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance as a referee. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Faghani averaged four yellow cards per match, while his broader record across his last 100 matches stands at an average of 4.52 cards per game.
Senegal’s style of play is built around physicality, high-intensity pressing, and aggressive challenges. As a result, Senegalese players generally carry a higher booking risk than their French counterparts.
Recent statistics support this trend, with four of Senegal’s last five matches finishing over the total cards line. France, meanwhile, have averaged 1.8 yellow cards per match across their last ten competitive fixtures.
Full-Match Card Betting Pick
Pick: Senegal & Over Total Cards
First-Half Card Betting Analysis
Statistics show that eight of Senegal’s last nine matches have produced at least one first-half booking, averaging more than 1.9 yellow cards during the opening 45 minutes.
France have also displayed a disciplined approach early in games, receiving fewer cards than (or the same number as) their opponents in five of their last six matches.
Another noteworthy trend is that five of the six World Cup matches officiated by Alireza Faghani featured at least one card before halftime.
First-Half Card Betting Pick
Pick: France & Over First-Half Cards
Team News
France
Defender William Saliba completed the team’s latest training session and is expected to start despite managing a back issue that will reportedly require surgery after the World Cup. The availability of right-back Jules Koundé remains uncertain due to a muscle strain.
Senegal
Senegal’s star player Sadio Mané is fit and available. However, the Teranga Lions have some fitness concerns surrounding Assane Diao, Cherif Ndiaye, and Idrissa Gueye, who missed Saturday’s training session.
Predicted Lineups
France
Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Olise, Doué, Kylian Mbappé; Ousmane Dembélé.
Senegal
Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Camara, Pape Gueye; Sarr, Diarra, Mané; Jackson.
Key Card Betting Trends
- Referee Alireza Faghani averages more than 4 cards per match.
- 4 of Senegal’s last 5 matches have gone over the total cards line.
- Senegal’s physical and pressing-oriented style increases booking risk.
- France average approximately 1.8 yellow cards per competitive match.
- 8 of Senegal’s last 9 matches featured first-half cards.
- 5 of Faghani’s 6 World Cup matches produced first-half bookings.
Recommended Card Bets
Full Match
- Senegal to receive more cards
- Over total cards
First Half
- France to receive fewer cards (or win the card handicap)
- Over first-half cards
Projected Card Count: France 2–3 cards, Senegal 3–4 cards. Total expected cards: 5–7 yellow cards.