Former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato believes Senegal have the quality to defeat France national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding further intrigue to one of the tournament’s most talked-about groups.
Group I has already attracted significant global attention following the draw that paired France, Senegal, Norway and Iraq together for the expanded tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
France are widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the trophy alongside Argentina and Spain, but Pato believes Senegal could emerge as one of the competition’s surprise packages.
The former Brazil international suggested the Lions of Teranga possess the ability to challenge the European giants and potentially produce one of the biggest results of the group stage.
His comments have added to growing excitement around Senegal’s chances after the West African nation continued to establish itself among Africa’s strongest football sides in recent years.
Led by captain Sadio Mané, Senegal head into the tournament carrying renewed confidence following a strong 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
That momentum has strengthened belief that the Lions of Teranga could compete strongly against some of the world’s elite teams at the tournament.
The group-stage schedule presents Senegal with an immediate test against France in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.
The two sides are set to meet on 16 June 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The fixture will instantly revive memories of Senegal’s historic World Cup debut in 2002, when the African side stunned defending champions France with a famous opening-match victory in South Korea.
Although this current French side is regarded as one of the most talented squads in world football, optimism continues to grow among Senegalese supporters that another upset may be possible.
Senegal’s second group game will come against Norway national football team on 22 June, also at MetLife Stadium.
That encounter could prove decisive in determining qualification for the knockout stages, especially in a group expected to be highly competitive from top to bottom.
The Lions of Teranga will then conclude their group campaign against Iraq national football team on 26 June at BMO Field in Toronto.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July, with the final scheduled to take place at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
For Senegal, the tournament represents another opportunity to showcase African football on the global stage.
The country has steadily built a reputation for producing technically gifted and physically strong players capable of competing at the highest level.
Their performances in recent major tournaments have reinforced that image, and expectations will again be high as they prepare to face one of the most demanding groups in the competition.
