France defeated Senegal in the first World Cup match. But it wasn't easy
The French national team successfully started the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating the Senegal team in the first-round match of Group I with a score of 3:1. The match took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, USA.
Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
The first half ended without goals, although both teams had opportunities to score. The score was only opened in the 66th minute: French national team leader Kylian Mbappé received a pass from Michael Olise and accurately struck the ball to put his team ahead.
In the 82nd minute, the French extended their lead. Bradley Barcola, who had come on as a substitute just two minutes earlier, managed to score the second goal, significantly complicating the task for the Senegalese.
In extra time, the Senegal team managed to bring back intrigue: in the 90+5th minute, Ibrahima Mbaye scored, reducing the deficit to a minimum. However, just a minute later, Kylian Mbappé scored again, completing his brace and setting the final score of the match — 3:1 in favor of France.
In the 2nd round of Group I, the French team will meet Iraq (June 23), and in the 3rd round — Norway (June 26). Senegal will play Norway in the 2nd round (June 23), and Iraq in the 3rd round (June 26).