NEW YORK, United States — France began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe becoming the country’s all-time leading goalscorer after a record-breaking performance in Group I.
Okay News reports that France were made to work hard by a resilient Senegal side before pulling away in the closing stages at New York New Jersey Stadium. Mbappe scored twice, including a spectacular long-range strike deep into stoppage time, while substitute Bradley Barcola added another goal as the 2018 champions secured all three points.
After a closely contested first half, France gradually took control following the break. Barcola doubled the lead shortly after coming off the bench, finishing a well-worked move to give Didier Deschamps’ side breathing room. Senegal continued to threaten and reduced the deficit through teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, who produced an impressive finish to set up a tense finale.
Any hopes of a Senegal comeback were ended moments later when Mbappe unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area to seal the victory and move clear as France’s highest-scoring player of all time. The goal capped another landmark moment in the career of the French captain, who continues to add to his growing list of international records.
Despite the defeat, Senegal produced an encouraging display against one of the tournament favourites and created several opportunities throughout the match. However, France’s superior depth and attacking quality ultimately proved decisive.
The result gives France an early advantage in Group I, while Senegal will seek to recover valuable points in their remaining group-stage fixtures as both teams continue their quest for a place in the knockout rounds.
