Kylian Mbappé struck twice as France national football team opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Senegal national football team in a tense Group I clash at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday.
It was a match layered with history and late drama — a fixture that revived memories of one of football’s great World Cup shocks, Senegal’s 1-0 win over France in the 2002 tournament opener.
This time, however, France ensured there would be no repeat of that script.
After a cagey and tactical first half, Mbappé finally broke Senegal’s resistance after the restart, giving Les Bleus control of the contest.
Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola added creativity and urgency as France pressed for a second goal, stretching Senegal’s disciplined defensive line.
