Donald World Cup telling me about goals
France started their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday night.
Senegal impressed in the first half and created several good chances but failed to make them count. Nicolas Jackson hit the post, while Ismaila Sarr missed a golden opportunity from close range.
The West Africans were left to regret those missed chances as France took control after the break.
Captain Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 66th minute with a calm finish. Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead in the 82nd minute after neatly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal gave themselves hope deep into stoppage time when teenage forward Ibrahim Mbaye scored a brilliant goal in the 95th minute. The 18-year-old showed great skill before firing into the roof of the net.
However, France responded immediately. Mbappe struck a powerful long-range effort just moments later to restore the two-goal advantage and seal a 3-1 win for Didier Deschamps’ side.
The brace saw Mbappe become France’s all-time leading goalscorer and continue his remarkable World Cup record.
Despite the defeat, Senegal can take encouragement from their strong first-half display. However, their inability to convert chances proved costly against one of the tournament favourites.
The result puts France at the top of Group I, while Senegal will now turn their attention to a crucial second group match against Norway.
