Kylian Mbappé netted a brace as the France national football team kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 win over the Senegal national football team in a closely contested Group I encounter at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday.
The fixture carried significant historical significance and late excitement, rekindling memories of one of the tournament’s biggest upsets — Senegal’s 1-0 triumph over France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.
This occasion, though, saw France avoid a repeat of that outcome.
Following a cautious and tactical opening half, Mbappé eventually found the breakthrough after the interval, putting Les Bleus in command of proceedings.
Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola injected flair and intensity into France’s attack as they searched for another goal, forcing Senegal’s organised backline to stretch.
The contest burst into life during stoppage time.
Ibrahim Mbaye scored via an assist from substitute Iliman Ndiaye, reducing the deficit for Senegal in the 90+5th minute and briefly creating the possibility of a nervy ending while reflecting the unpredictability often associated with World Cup openers.
However, France reacted immediately. Mbappé found the net again a minute later to complete his brace and extinguish Senegal’s momentum in emphatic fashion, securing maximum points for Didier Deschamps’ men.
As a result, Mbappé equalled the record for the most international goals scored for the French national team, drawing level with senior compatriot Olivier Giroud on 57 goals.
The victory puts France at the top of Group I and provides a solid foundation ahead of their next challenge, with FIFA’s schedule indicating a swift return to action as Les Bleus prepare to face the Iraq national football team in their second group match.
Senegal, on the other hand, will turn their attention to their upcoming Group I clash against the Norway national football team, with their qualification ambitions still intact but already facing added pressure.
“A night of history, late chaos, and Mbappé brilliance” — France launch their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion, NEWSCLICK Online reports.
