France opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in a lively Group Stage encounter at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
Kylian Mbappé led the charge for the French side, scoring twice as France recovered from a slow start and a controversial VAR decision to secure all three points.
Mbappé opened the scoring after being denied a penalty despite the referee reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor following a VAR intervention.
Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead with a composed finish, lifting the ball expertly over the goalkeeper after a well-worked attacking move.
Senegal, however, created several clear chances in the first half but failed to take them. Nicolas Jackson struck the post, while Ismaila Sarr missed a golden opportunity from close range, firing over the bar.
The Senegalese side eventually pulled one back in stoppage time through Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye, who finished calmly to give his team late hope.
But France responded immediately, with Mbappé restoring the two-goal cushion almost instantly with a powerful strike to seal the win.
Michael Olise played a key role in the victory, registering two assists. His first set up Barcola, while his second preceded Mbappé’s second goal, combining a simple pass with a decisive attacking contribution.
Despite flashes of promise, Senegal were left frustrated after failing to convert their early dominance and chances, which proved costly against France.
France held firm in the closing stages to see out the win, beginning their tournament on a strong note as they target another deep World Cup run.
