Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has urged the Senegalese diaspora living in New York and across the surrounding region to pack the stands and show their full support when Senegal face France in their FIFA World Cup opener on Tuesday.

Thiaw's call is a direct appeal to the large Senegalese community in the New York and New Jersey area, asking them to make the atmosphere feel like a home match for the Teranga Lions despite the challenges that visa policies may present for supporters travelling from Senegal itself.

The match represents one of the most high-profile World Cup group stage encounters for Senegal, who face a France side loaded with world-class talent. With a full-throated backing from the diaspora, Thiaw hopes the team will feel the familiar warmth of home support on foreign soil.