Why is Rayan Cherki Not Starting Against Senegal Today in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Les Blues kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against the AFCON 2025 runners-up, Senegal, at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Didier Deschamps' side will look to grab the three points at stake and get their engine up and running for a smooth tournament ahead.

The France national football team returned to winning ways against Northern Ireland after Amad Diallo's late winner handed them a surprising defeat in the earlier game. Despite having a plethora of exceptionally talented players, Les Blues have sometimes found it difficult to get the team combination right.

Ahead of the game, Deschamps had a tough decision to make as to who to leave out on the bench. Fans were eager to know about, ‘Is Rayan Cherki playing today?’, and I think we have an answer in front of us as the French lineup has just been announced.

Desire Doue Starts, Rayan Cherki Benched Against Senegal

So to answer the people's query of ‘Is Rayan Cherki playing today in France vs Senegal?’, no, Cherki doesn't start in the French national team lineup. The Manchester City midfielder starts this game on the bench, with Desire Doue getting the nod ahead of him.

The PSG left-winger starts in his preferred position, and is joined by the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and one of the best strikers in the world currently, Kylian Mbappe, in attack.

Deschamps has decided to rely on pacy wingers rather than bringing more creativity to the midfield area. Another factor might be Doue's better physical attributes, which could come in handy against a squad like the Senegal national football team. Cherki might be subbed on in the second half to add that X-factor to the game, which will help France take control of the game in a better way. We hope this answers your concern regarding ‘Is Rayan Cherki playing today’. Despite his outstanding season for Manchester City, Cherki has to wait a bit more for his World Cup debut.

Check out the official France lineup below.

Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue; Kylian Mbappe.