⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 · Group I
France
FRA
Full time
3-1
Senegal
SEN
2026-06-16 · New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford
The verdict“France looked every inch the favourite, and Mbappé reminded everyone the record book is basically his diary now.”
The Performance Review
France opened Group I in front of a packed house and did exactly what France does, win comfortably while making it look like a warm up. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, in the 66th minute and deep into stoppage time at 90 plus 6, taking his France tally to 57 and 58 goals, because at this point the man treats international records like a to do list. Bradley Barcola added the third, and Senegal's late goal through Ibrahim Mbaye was a consolation, not a comeback.
Senegal were not bad. They were simply second best to a team operating in a higher gear, and there is no shame in that. Plenty of sides will leave this World Cup having been the second best team on the pitch against France. The 80,545 in attendance saw a French side with the depth and the calm of a team that fully expects to still be playing in July.
Who Got Burned
Senegal, who arrived with genuine quality and still spent the night chasing the game from the moment France clicked into gear. And anyone who backed the Lions of Teranga to rattle a French side this deep and this composed on opening night.
The Bright Side
Senegal showed flashes that will trouble lesser opponents, and Ibrahim Mbaye's late goal is the kind of moment a young player builds a tournament on. They are not going home on this performance, and Group I is far from decided.
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