EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — France opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the second half to lead the defending champions, breaking a deadlock after Senegal had created several clear opportunities in the first half. Michael Olise provided the assist for Mbappe’s opening goal in the 66th minute, threading a pass through the Senegal defense.
Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead in the 82nd minute, converting a through ball from Adrien Rabiot just two minutes after coming on as a substitute. Veteran forward Sadio Mane had earlier struck the post for Senegal, while Ismaïla Sarr missed a golden chance by shooting over an open goal.
Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in stoppage time before Mbappe struck again with a spectacular long-range effort in the 96th minute, restoring France’s two-goal cushion and sealing a 3-1 victory. Olise also provided the assist for Mbappe’s second goal.
The result marks France’s second meeting with Senegal at the World Cup, following their shock 1-0 defeat in the 2002 tournament opener.
France will next face Iraq on Monday, while Senegal takes on Norway in their second group match.