Kylian Mbappe cautious of 'great' Senegal before France's World Cup opener

Before their Group I encounter, the Lions of Teranga and Les Bleus have faced each other just once in FIFA World Cup history. During the opening match of the 2002 competition in South Korea, Senegal, making their tournament debut, stunned the defending champions France with a memorable 1-0 win.

The late Senegalese midfielder Papa Bouba Diop netted the solitary goal in the 30th minute, forcing the ball over the line from close range after a scramble inside the penalty area.

That result remains one of the biggest shocks in football history, and it set the scene for a disastrous World Cup for France, who were eliminated in the group stage without managing a single goal.

Senegal, meanwhile, embarked on a fairytale run, advancing all the way to the quarter-finals.

History adds excitement to the match

'The World Cup is packed with thrilling matches, and we are up against the African champions. I am not even sure if it is them or not (laughs) because Morocco are also playing. We will steer clear of that (laughs),' the Real Madrid star told French television channel M6, as cited by Wiw Sport.

'It is great to begin in this manner. We cannot deny that there is history between France and Senegal, and that history will make this match even more compelling. It is going to be fantastic.'

'The match kicks off at 9pm in France, the children will not be in bed yet, so it is down to us to make a good start. It can help us erase any early doubts, because there will be nervousness among quite a few people – not among us, but among some. It will also deliver those 3 points.'

France are a global powerhouse, having won the tournament in 1998 and 2018 and reached the final in 2006 and 2022. Meanwhile, Senegal have established themselves as one of Africa's leading sides, qualifying for four World Cups (2002, 2018, 2022, and 2026).

Senegal capable of reaching the semi-finals

Meanwhile, former Senegal coach Alain Giresse has backed the Lions of Teranga to at least progress beyond the group stages of the global showpiece.

'I believe that from one World Cup to the next, Africa is moving forward and making progress. As you mentioned, it was Morocco that reached the semi-finals in the last edition in Qatar,' said Giresse.

'With ten qualified nations, the possibility of taking even more countries to the semi-finals exists. We have to take it step by step.

'I think that one day, an African nation will compete in the final. If we are talking about Senegal, they have the potential to at least reach the semi-finals.'

'Of course, we know there can be unforeseen events during matches, but fundamentally, the potential is there. We see that African teams are increasingly showing a level that is approaching the top and the best rankings in the world.'

Giresse concluded: 'Beyond Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, and even the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can achieve great results. In any case, if these countries are there, it is because they are among the best nations in Africa.'

Senegal's best result came on their tournament debut in 2002, when they reached the quarter-finals after a famous upset against defending champions France.

Aside from France, Senegal will also face Norway on 22 June at the New York New Jersey Stadium before concluding their group stage matches against Iraq at Toronto Stadium on 26 June.