France Opens 2026 World Cup with Victory Over Senegal
France launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Senegal. Captain Kylian Mbappé was the standout performer, netting a brace that powered Les Bleus to a strong opening win.
First Half: Senegal Threatens
The West African side matched the 2022 runners‑up for long periods and even hit the woodwork when Nicolas Jackson rattled the post. Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mané created several chances, but France gradually tightened their grip on the game.
Mbappé Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 66th minute. A slick passing move carved open the Senegal defence, and Mbappé applied the finishing touch, drilling a low effort beyond goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to put France ahead.
Senegal’s Disallowed Goal and France’s Second
Senegal thought they had pulled one back shortly afterwards when Jackson put the ball in the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. France capitalised on the reprieve and doubled their lead eight minutes from time. Adrien Rabiot slipped a precise pass into the path of Bradley Barcola, who calmly chipped Mendy to make it 2‑0.
Late Drama and Mbappé’s Seal
The closing stages produced more drama in front of a crowd of 80,545. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal deep into stoppage time with a composed finish after a determined solo run. Any hopes of a late comeback were quickly ended as Mbappé capped an impressive display with a stunning long‑range strike in the dying moments, sending the ball into the top corner to seal France’s 3‑1 win.
The victory gives France an ideal start to their World Cup journey and sends a clear message to the rest of the tournament.
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