France overcame a sluggish start and a controversial penalty decision to defeat Senegal 3-1 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Captain Kylian Mbappe inspired Les Bleus with a brace, opening the scoring after being denied a penalty despite a VAR review. Bradley Barcola then doubled France’s advantage with a delightful chipped finish.
Senegal fought hard and created several clear-cut opportunities in the first half but failed to capitalize. Nicolas Jackson struck the post, while Ismaila Sarr squandered a golden chance by blazing over the crossbar from close range.
The Teranga Lions eventually pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time through Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye, raising hopes of a dramatic comeback.
However, those hopes were quickly extinguished as Mbappe responded almost immediately, firing home a powerful strike to restore France’s two-goal cushion and seal the victory.
The result makes Senegal the third African team to suffer defeat at the ongoing tournament. South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico in the opening match, while Tunisia endured a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden.
Côte d’Ivoire remain the continent’s only winning side so far after edging Ecuador 1-0 thanks to Diallo’s late winner. Morocco, debutants Cape Verde and Egypt all earned draws against Brazil, Spain and Belgium respectively to give African fans something to celebrate.
Mbappe’s two goals also saw him reach a major milestone for France. The 27-year-old became the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 goals in 99 appearances, surpassing former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud. His latest brace also took his World Cup tally to 14 goals, leaving him just two short of Miroslav Klose’s tournament record of 16.
