France kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Senegal in an entertaining Group I clash played in New Jersey.
The opening half was closely contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough. France enjoyed several opportunities early on, but their star-studded attack could not capitalize, while Senegal combined solid defending with dangerous counterattacks that tested the French backline.
The teams went into the halftime break locked at 0-0.
The match came alive in the second half as France increased the tempo. Their efforts were rewarded in the 66th minute when Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a clinical finish, giving the former world champions a deserved lead.
France doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute through Bradley Barcola, who finished off a well-worked move to put his side firmly in control.
Senegal refused to give up and pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time when Ibrahim found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and setting up a tense finale.
However, Mbappé had the final say. In the closing moments of the match, the French superstar produced a brilliant strike to score his second goal of the night and France’s third, sealing a 3-1 victory.
The win gives France a perfect start to their Group I campaign, while Senegal will look to bounce back in their next World Cup fixture.
