Sports
France 3-1 Senegal: Mbappé Brace Powers Les Bleus to Winning World Cup Start
The France national football team began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Senegal national football team in a dramatic Group I clash at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday.
The contest carried added significance as it rekindled memories of Senegal’s famous 1-0 upset of France at the 2002 World Cup. This time, however, Les Bleus avoided another shock and opened their tournament with all three points.
After a tense and tactical first half, Kylian Mbappé finally broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, finishing off a move created by Michael Olise. Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage in the 82nd minute as Didier Deschamps’ side took control of the match.
The drama intensified in stoppage time when Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in the 90+5th minute, briefly raising hopes of a remarkable comeback. However, Mbappé responded almost immediately, unleashing a stunning strike a minute later to restore France’s two-goal cushion and seal the victory.
The brace was historic for Mbappé. His first goal drew him level with Olivier Giroud on 57 international goals, while his second took him to 58, making him France’s outright all-time leading goalscorer.
The win puts France in a strong position in Group I ahead of their next fixture against the Iraq national football team, while Senegal will look to bounce back when they face the Norway national football team.
A night filled with history, late drama and Mbappé brilliance — France have launched their World Cup journey in emphatic fashion.
