Mbappe’s Brace Powers France Past Senegal 3-1

June 17, (THEWILL) — France began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a winning note with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in an entertaining Group I encounter.

Senegal made a bright start to the match, unsettling the French side with energetic pressing and swift attacking moves. Their aggressive approach limited France’s attacking opportunities during a competitive first half.

Despite controlling possession for long periods, France struggled to break down Senegal’s well-organised defence before the interval.

The contest took a different turn after the restart as France raised the intensity of their play and began creating more dangerous opportunities in the final third.

Their breakthrough arrived in the 66th minute when Kylian Mbappé finished confidently to put the former world Champions ahead.

France continued to press for more goals and was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage after a well-worked attacking move exposed gaps in the Senegal defence.

Senegal refused to surrender and reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye, who found the net in the fifth minute of added time.

However, any hopes of a dramatic comeback were quickly extinguished as Mbappé struck again a minute later, sealing the victory and completing his brace.

The result gives France a perfect start in Group I, while Senegal will be disappointed after a disciplined display for much of the match was undone by a difficult second half.

France’s superior attacking quality ultimately proved decisive as they secured all three points in their opening World Cup fixture.