France began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a confident 3–1 victory over Senegal in an entertaining Group Stage clash at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
Kylian Mbappé was the standout performer, scoring twice to lead France to victory after a slow start and a contentious VAR incident that shaped the early stages of the match. The French forward first opened the scoring after a penalty appeal was reviewed and ultimately denied despite a pitchside VAR check.
Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage with a composed finish, delicately lifting the ball over the goalkeeper following a well-constructed attacking move.
Senegal had opportunities to change the course of the match in the first half but failed to take them. Nicolas Jackson struck the post, while Ismaïla Sarr wasted a clear chance from close range, firing over the bar when well placed.
Senegal eventually found a breakthrough in stoppage time through teenage forward Ibrahim Mbaye, who calmly finished to give his side a late lifeline.
However, France responded almost immediately. Mbappé restored the two-goal cushion with a powerful strike, effectively sealing the result and underlining his influence on the game.
Michael Olise played a crucial creative role, providing two assists—first setting up Barcola’s goal and later playing a key pass in the buildup to Mbappé’s second.
Despite spells of pressure and promising attacking phases, Senegal were left to rue their missed chances, which ultimately proved decisive against a clinical French side.
France controlled the closing stages comfortably to secure all three points, making a strong statement at the start of their World Cup journey.
