French forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their opening Group I match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Tuesday.
The victory gives the defending runners-up an early edge in the group. Senegal, featuring several dual-nationality players with French ties, mounted a late response but fell short.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 66th minute with an assist from Michael Olise. Bradley Barcola added a second for France in the 82nd minute, assisted by Adrien Rabiot. Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in the 90+5th minute, set up by Iliman Ndiaye. Mbappé sealed the result with his second goal in the 90+6th minute.
France controlled much of the second half after a goalless first period marked by Senegal’s resilient defense.
France sits atop Group I with three points and a +2 goal difference after one match. Senegal occupies fourth place with zero points and a -2 goal difference. The result avenges Senegal’s famous 1-0 upset victory over France in the 2002 World Cup opener.
France faces Iraq on June 22.