Mbappé brace sparks France to opening World Cup win against game Senegal

By Ossian Shine

France shook themselves awake after a sleepy first half on Tuesday to beat Senegal 3-1 in the New York/New Jersey Stadium for a perfect start to their 2026 World Cup campaign.

While the Africans had looked the stronger team in the first half of the Group I match, the second period was a different matter as French class ultimately proved the difference.

Le Bleus give an early indication they are worthy of their favourites tag.

Inevitably, it was France captain Kylian Mbappé who broke the deadlock, unlocking the Senegalese defence in the 66th minute for a record-equalling 57th goal for his country.

Substitute Bradley Barcola added a second, and Mbappé broke Olivier Giroud’s record with his 58th France goal thanks to a scorching strike from outside the box deep into added time, seconds after Ibrahim Mbaye’s consolation strike for Senegal.

Iraq play Norway in Boston in Group I later on Tuesday.

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