France Defeats Senegal 3-1 in 2026 World Cup Opener

France began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal. The match, which saw France maintain control for much of the game, concluded with a late push from the Senegalese side that failed to overturn the result.

Kylian Mbappé played a pivotal role in the win, scoring to open his account for the tournament. His performance was highlighted by a powerful goal that drew significant attention and contributed to the French side's offensive success.

Beyond the scoreline, the match served as a milestone for Mbappé, who broke several records for both the French national team and the World Cup during the encounter. These achievements further cemented his standing as a key figure in the tournament's early stages.

The match took place in New Jersey, where a large number of Senegal supporters gathered to support their team. The presence of these fans added a significant atmosphere to the event as they watched their national side face off against the French squad.

While France emerged victorious, observers noted that the team's performance was uneven. Despite the win and the fluid nature of their play, there were indications that the squad is still finding its rhythm as the competition progresses.

Senegal attempted a late challenge to close the gap in the score, but France was able to withstand the pressure to secure the three points. The result leaves France with a positive start to the tournament while Senegal looks to recover from the opening defeat.