SportFootballFIFA World CupThe Real Madrid star was denied a penalty during France's World Cup opener against Senegal in controversial circumstances21:33, 16 Jun 2026Updated 21:56, 16 Jun 2026Kylian Mbappe was controversially denied what appeared to be a clear penalty during France's World Cup opener against Senegal. Didier Deschamps' side opened their Group I clash in New York on Tuesday evening.‌Following a stronger start from Senegal, France found themselves in a great position to break the deadlock before the interval. As Mbappe charged into the Senegal box, he went down after contact from former Liverpool star Sadio Mane.‌However, referee Alireza Faghani initially waved away appeals for a penalty before the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened. He was then advised to review the incident on the pitch‑side monitor.‌Brought in by the BBC to give his thoughts, former referee Darren Cann was convinced the penalty would be given. "For me, this is a penalty," he said."This will be checked by the VAR. For me there is no contact with the ball and he brings Mbappe down."However, when addressing the crowd, Faghani said Mbappe had 'initiated contact' and stood by his initial decision. No penalty was awarded despite Faghani initially appearing to point to the spot.‌Loud cheers rang around the New York New Jersey Stadium from France supporters who thought they'd been given a penalty, but instead Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was instructed to take a goal kick - much to Mbappe's astonishment.Alan Shearer, on co‑commentary duty for the BBC, could not believe the decision."I don't get it. You can see the lunge from Mane and his left leg catches Mbappe," he said. "How can Mbappe initiate contact if he is in front of him? It's bizarre it really is."‌Meanwhile, ex‑World Cup final assistant referee Cann hit back at the decision, adding: "I can't support the referee's decision to be honest. For me it is a clear penalty. My phone has blown up with messages from several of the world's best referees who also can't understand why a penalty wasn't given."For me it is very, very clear and I am extremely surprised he did not point to the spot after a correct VAR review."Mbappe then went on to give France the lead with a stunning finish from a Michael Olise assist.‌Article continues belowThere will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌FIFA World Cup