Mbappé Double Leads France Past Senegal

Group Stage · Group I · MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford · June 16, 2026

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France opened their World Cup with a 3-1 win over Senegal in front of 80,545 at MetLife Stadium.

After a goalless first half, Mbappé broke through in the 66th minute from Michael Olise’s pass. Substitute Bradley Barcola, on for two minutes, doubled the lead in the 82nd, set up by Adrien Rabiot. Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in stoppage time, but Mbappé struck again a minute later. Nicolas Jackson hit the woodwork for Senegal.

France put eight of their 11 shots on target. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made five saves.

France lead Group I. Norway and Iraq play later today.

More: France at the 2026 World Cup · Senegal at the 2026 World Cup · Group I guide

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Archive coverage. First published on ESO Soccer on October 1, 2026. The archive date reflects the events covered.