Kylian Mbappé scored twice with double assist by Michael Olise as France overcame a sluggish start to defeat Senegal 3-1 in their opening 2026 World Cup Group I match at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, substitute Bradley Barcola added a clinical chipped finish in the 82nd, and the Paris Saint-Germain star sealed the victory with a thunderous long-range strike in the 90+6th minute, moments after 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye had pulled one back for Senegal.
Senegal, who stunned France in their 2002 tournament opener, created several clear chances in a goalless first half but failed to convert, with Nicolas Jackson hitting the post and Ismaila Sarr blazing over from close range.
The result puts France top of Group I with three points, while Senegal must regroup quickly ahead of their clash with Norway.
Mbappé’s performance saw him become France’s outright all-time leading scorer and the first player to register at least two goals in five different World Cup matches.
France shrugged off a controversial penalty decision in the first half — where VAR sent the referee to the monitor but no spot-kick was awarded because there Sadio Mane had no contact against Mbappé — before their superior attacking depth told in the second period.
The victory marks a strong start for Didier Deschamps’ side in their bid to retain the title they won in 2018.
