France defeats Senegal 3-1 in 2026 World Cup opener

France opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in a match laden with historical and political symbolism, played before a crowd at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on Tuesday, June 16. The result, powered by a second-half brace from captain Kylian Mbappé, began to exorcise the ghost of Senegal's famous 1-0 upset over the defending champions in the 2002 tournament opener.

After a frustrating first half dominated by Senegal, France found its rhythm following the interval. The breakthrough came in the 69th minute when Michael Olise threaded a pass to Mbappé, who guided a first-time finish past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The goal drew Mbappé level as France's all-time leading scorer. Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute with a delicate chip over Mendy after being sent through by Adrien Rabiot.

Senegal pulled a goal back in stoppage time through 18-year-old substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, but any hope of a dramatic comeback was extinguished almost immediately. Mbappé sealed the win moments later with a powerful strike from distance, his second goal of the match, moving him within two goals of the all-time World Cup scoring record.