Group I gets underway: France-Senegal kicks off at 9pm, then it’s up to Iraq and Norway
The World Cup also begins for group I: at 9pm, Mbappé and his teammates’ France faces Senegal. Only one precedent between the two teams, but very significant. On May 31, 2002, Senegal beat the reigning world champions 1-0 in their first World Cup thanks to a goal from Papa Bouba Diop. With that defeat the French exited the group stage, one of the most surprising results in the recent history of the competition. With bowls still in place, the team coached by Deschamps starts off as slight favourites, but the ‘Lions of Teranga’ are not to be underestimated. In addition to Mané and Koulibaly, keep an eye out for Iliman Ndiaye, returning from an excellent season with Everton. At midnight the match between Iraq and Norway will close the first day of the group. Haaland and his team arrive at the World Cup undefeated (we Italians know this all too well), while Iraq gained a pass to the competition by beating Bolivia in the final of the intercontinental playoff. The match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough will be the first official match between the two teams