France began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Senegal in an exciting Group I encounter. Star forward Kylian Mbappé delivered a match-winning performance by scoring twice to help his side secure all three points.
The first half, played in New Jersey, was highly competitive. France created several promising chances early on but failed to convert them, while Senegal remained organized in defense and looked dangerous on the counterattack. Despite opportunities at both ends, the teams went into halftime level at 0-0.
The match came alive after the break as France increased the tempo. Their persistence finally paid off in the 66th minute when Mbappé finished off a well-worked move to score the opening goal and put the French side ahead.
France doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute through Bradley Barcola, who calmly found the back of the net. Senegal fought back in stoppage time when Ibrahima scored to reduce the deficit and make it 2-1, setting up a tense finish.
However, France quickly restored their two-goal cushion in the closing moments. Mbappé struck again with a superb finish to score his second goal of the match and France’s third, sealing a 3-1 victory and a perfect start to their World Cup campaign.