The French national team’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup began strongly, after achieving a dramatic victory with a score of 3-1 against Senegal, in the opening match of Group 9 at MetLife Stadium.
Kylian Mbappé scored two goals (in the 66th minute and in the 90+6), while Bradley Barcola added the third goal in the 82nd minute. As for Senegal’s only goal, it was scored by Ibrahim Mbaye in the 90+5, giving the “Lions of Teranga” a late hope before Mbappé quickly responded.
The match started with a lot of tension and intensity, as the Senegalese imposed an organized defense and succeeded in stopping the French attacks during the first half, which ended goalless. However, the French, led by Mbappé and his teammates from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, dominated the course of the second half.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 66th minute after an assist from Michael Olise, skillfully converting the ball into the far corner. Then came Barcola’s goal in the 82nd minute to give France a comfortable lead. The Senegalese tried to come back, and Mbaye scored a beautiful goal in stoppage time, but Mbappé ended the debate with a second personal goal just one minute later.
