Mbappé steals the show as France beat Senegal

France beat Senegal 3-1 to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a win in a Group I showdown. At MetLife Stadium, in a game billed as a rematch of 2002, two-goal Kylian Mbappé left his mark on the contest.

After a goalless first half, the game opened up after the break. In the 66th minute, Mbappé finished off a Michael Olise assist to put France 1-0 ahead. France doubled the lead in the 82nd minute when substitute Bradley Barcola made it 2-0 from an Adrien Rabiot pass.

Senegal grew hopeful in stoppage time. In the 90+5th minute, Mbaye pulled one back from an Iliman Ndiaye assist to make it 2-1. But moments later, in the 90+6th minute, Mbappé struck again to settle the result and cap his own show: 3-1.

The statistics underlined France's superiority. Didier Deschamps's side had 54% possession, took 11 shots and finished ahead on expected goals (xG) 1.89 to 0.50, while leading on big chances 4-2. Senegal threatened at times but struggled to break down the French defence.

Refereed by Iran's Alireza Faghani and watched by more than 80,000 fans, the match saw France take all three points for a strong start to the group. Les Bleus, ranked among the strongest title contenders with their star-laden squad, passed their first test. Mbappé, meanwhile, laid down a marker in the race for the Golden Boot.

Image: telegraph.co.uk