Mbappe Brace Powers France Past Senegal in World Cup Opener

France overcame a spirited challenge from Senegal to secure a 3-1 victory in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to inspire a second-half comeback at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Senegal were the better side in the first half and appeared capable of repeating their famous upset of defending champions France from the 2002 World Cup. However, Didier Deschamps' men recovered strongly after the break to begin their campaign with all three points.

The match burst into life in the closing stages, with three goals scored in a dramatic 14-minute spell. France netted twice while Senegal managed one consolation goal, but Mbappe's brilliance ultimately proved decisive.

France looked unusually disjointed in the opening 45 minutes. Their first meaningful attempt came only after the 20-minute mark, while Senegal threatened through quick counterattacks and direct play.

The Africans came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute when Diouf delivered an excellent through ball to Nicolas Jackson. Racing clear on goal, Jackson struck a left-footed effort from a difficult angle, but the ball struck the post before bouncing off goalkeeper Mike Maignan and out for a corner.

Senegal created another opportunity five minutes before halftime when Sadio Mane unleashed a long-range effort from around 30 yards, but Maignan gathered comfortably. Deep into stoppage time, Mane received the ball in a promising central position inside the box but fired over the crossbar, ensuring the teams went into the break level.

France emerged a different side after halftime and immediately increased the intensity of their attacks. In the 48th minute, Dayot Upamecano controlled a long pass and unleashed a powerful effort from about 25 yards, but the shot drifted narrowly wide.

Michael Olise then began to influence the game. In the 54th minute, he skillfully worked his way into the Senegal penalty area and attempted a delicate finish over goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The Senegal shot-stopper reacted brilliantly, stretching his body to push the ball over the crossbar.

Four minutes later, Mbappe was presented with a golden opportunity after breaking through on goal, but Mendy once again came to Senegal's rescue with an outstanding save in a one-on-one situation.

France continued to press and finally found the breakthrough in the 66th minute. Olise delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the right side of the penalty area, where Mbappe timed his run superbly before guiding a first-time finish into the bottom-left corner beyond Mendy.

Senegal thought they had equalized just two minutes later when Jackson raced into the box, controlled a high ball and smashed a powerful shot into the top corner. Celebrations were cut short, however, as the assistant referee's flag was raised for offside. Replays confirmed Jackson had moved too early.

France doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute. Adrien Rabiot threaded an excellent pass to Bradley Barcola, who cut inside from the left before delicately lifting the ball over Mendy and into the net to make it 2-0.

Senegal pulled one back in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye. His powerful strike beat Maignan despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball, raising hopes of a late comeback.

Those hopes lasted only moments. In the very next minute, Mbappe produced a moment of magic, firing a stunning long-range effort from well outside the penalty area to seal the victory and complete his brace.

The 3-1 win gives France a perfect start to their World Cup campaign, while Mbappe's match-winning performance once again underlined his status as one of the world's premier footballers.