Mbappé Brace as France Beat Senegal in New Jersey Opener
France defeated Senegal 3–1 at New York New Jersey Stadium in their Group I opener. After a cautious first half in which Nicolas Jackson hit the post and Ismaila Sarr missed a chance, Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute from a Michael Olise pass before substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute.
Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in the fifth minute of stoppage time with an assist from Iliman Ndiaye, but Mbappé restored France's two-goal cushion one minute later to equal Olivier Giroud's record of 57 international goals. Michael Olise was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after providing both assists in front of 80,545 fans.
France lead Group I on three points ahead of Iraq's meeting with Norway in Boston later on Tuesday. Les Bleus face Iraq in Philadelphia on 22 June, while Senegal meet Norway in New Jersey on the same day.
Sources
- https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/france-senegal-highlights-match-report
- https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/285023/289273/400021490
- https://www.fotmob.com/matches/senegal-vs-france/1f8fvo
- https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/fifa-world-cup-men-france-vs-senegal-jun-16-2026-game-boxscore-647633
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cze9nr5eg2xt