FIFA World Cup Same Game Parlay Picks Today 6/16: Expect High-Scoring Victory in French Opener

France soccer fans don’t need a reminder of what happened the last time they opened a World Cup against Senegal. In 2002, the French were defending champions, expected to cruise through the group stages. Instead, they were stunned by Senegal, making its World Cup debut. France are once again the favorites to top their group. However, this FIFA World Cup same game parlay should provide a reversal of fortune for the European side.

France come in playing like a World Cup favorite. While Senegal have played well leading up to this match, France represents a large step up in quality. By no means should this match come easy for Les Bleus, but there shouldn’t be a repeat of 2002 either.

FIFA World Cup Same Game Parlay Picks (+370, DraftKings)

• France to Win

• Both Teams to Score

• Kylian Mbappe Anytime Goal Scorer

France have won eight of their past 10 matches entering this contest. That includes wins over Brazil and Colombia, both of which came on American soil. The French have shown none of the expected hangover from World Cup success the past two campaigns.

France are actually on a remarkable run of quality over the past decade. Since going out to eventual champion Germany in 2014, Les Bleus have finished fourth or better in four of the past five World Cups or European championships.

They will want to get this tournament off to a strong start, as Group I is one of the tougher groups in this World Cup. With Norway still to come, France doesn’t want to have to worry about having to stop Erling Haaland. Starting with a win over Senegal is imperative if France intends to top the group.

Senegal Look Good Value For a Goal

The Lions of Teranga are no pushovers. They’ve scored in 11 of their past 12 matches, and their only defeats in that stretch were Brazil and the United States. While France is on that level, Senegal has a history of playing loose and free in attack. Senegal have scored in eight of 12 World Cup matches all-time, and they’ll likely press the issue again.

With three teams likely to come from this group, Senegal will be looking for goals. Goal differential will help Senegal’s chances of advancing as a third-place team, and France has a habit of conceding. Despite winning four of five matches, France conceded in all of them.

Mbappe Completes FIFA World Cup Same Game Parlay Play

When looking at same game parlay picks today, it’s a good idea to include the French star on your bet slip.

Mbappe has a history of rising to the moment, whether it’s for Real Madrid or in a French shirt. In his past four competitive matches for France, he’s scored in all of them. He won the Golden Boot in 2022 as the top goalscorer, and with two more goals, he’d become France’s all-time leading scorer.

France knows what it has in Mbappe, and it tries to play to him whenever it can. His presence alone makes a big difference. When France lost to Tunisia in the 2022 World Cup, it was in part because Mbappe didn’t come on until the final half-hour. France didn’t need that match to win its group, and the difference in quality was apparent without him.

Senegal just allowed three goals to the United States in a friendly. That’s probably around where France’s goal total will end up. Expect Mbappe to be part of the scoring in what should be a wide-open French victory.