France began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a winning note after defeating Senegal 3-1 in an entertaining Group Stage clash at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
Kylian Mbappé was the star of the show, scoring twice as Les Bleus overcame a spirited challenge from Senegal to secure all three points in their opening match of the tournament.
The French captain opened the scoring after a controversial first-half incident in which he was denied a penalty despite the referee reviewing the challenge following a VAR intervention. Undeterred, Mbappé later found the breakthrough to put France ahead.
France doubled their advantage through Bradley Barcola, who finished brilliantly after latching onto a well-worked move before delicately lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Despite trailing, Senegal produced several promising attacking moments and could have been level before the break. Nicolas Jackson came close when his effort struck the post, while Ismaila Sarr missed a clear opportunity from close range, sending his shot over the crossbar.
The West Africans continued to push forward and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ibrahim Mbaye calmly slotted home to reduce the deficit and give Senegal hope of a dramatic comeback.
However, France quickly extinguished those hopes. Moments after Senegal’s goal, Mbappé struck again with a powerful finish to restore his side’s two-goal advantage and put the result beyond doubt.
Michael Olise also played a crucial role in the victory, providing two assists. He set up Barcola for France’s second goal and later supplied the pass that led to Mbappé’s decisive second strike.
While Senegal showed flashes of quality and created enough chances to trouble the French defence, their inability to convert key opportunities proved costly.
France comfortably saw out the closing stages to claim a 3-1 victory and make a strong start to their World Cup journey, while Senegal will look to bounce back in their next Group Stage fixture.
