France beats Senegal 3-1 in World Cup 2026 group opener

France opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3‑1 win over Senegal at Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New York. After a tight first half in which Senegal dominated play, France turned the tide in the second half. Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute and added a second goal in the 95th minute, while Alessandro Barcola scored the team's third at the 82nd minute. Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye found the net in the 95th minute, but Mbappé’s late strike restored the lead.

The match featured the tournament’s first VAR review, which did not change the outcome. The victory puts France in Group I with Iraq and Norway for their next fixtures, while Senegal will face Norway and Iraq. The win also marks the first World Cup appearance for France on U.S. soil and is likely the final tournament for coach Didier Deschamps. Mbappé silenced recent criticism with his brace, reaffirming his status as the tournament’s early star.

France’s performance, despite early struggles, gave them three points and momentum heading into the group stage, while Senegal must regroup for their upcoming matches.