Image: from CFC OBEY X @_kobbyphocus
By Open Chronicle with agencies
France began its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, overcoming a difficult first half before the quality of its star players proved decisive after the break.
The scoreline may suggest a comfortable evening for Didier Deschamps’ side, but Senegal were arguably the better team during the opening 45 minutes and looked capable of causing one of the tournament’s early surprises.
The African side, organised and disciplined under coach Pape Thiaw, frustrated France’s star-studded attack throughout the first half. Kylian Mbappé struggled to influence the game, while Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé frequently dropped deep in search of possession. Désiré Doué was largely kept quiet as Senegal’s compact defensive structure denied France any meaningful space.
🇫🇷 La FIERTÉ de MBAPPÉ, nouveau meilleur buteur de l'Histoire des Bleus
🗨️ “Très content de pouvoir entrer un peu plus dans l’histoire de mon pays”#beINFWC2026 pic.twitter.com/VWBSwVt6P2— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) June 16, 2026
While France controlled possession, Senegal looked more dangerous on the counterattack. Nicolas Jackson came closest to opening the scoring midway through the first half when his low effort struck the post. Just before the interval, Ismaïla Sarr missed another golden opportunity, firing over the crossbar from close range after a dangerous attack.
The match changed dramatically after halftime.
France found more space as Senegal’s defensive intensity gradually faded, allowing Michael Olise to emerge as the game’s key creative force. The Bayern Munich winger repeatedly threatened the Senegalese defence, creating two clear opportunities for Mbappé and forcing goalkeeper Édouard Mendy into several important saves.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute. Olise delivered a perfectly weighted pass from the right flank, and Mbappé timed his run brilliantly before finishing calmly to put France ahead.
Senegal thought they had responded almost immediately when Nicolas Jackson found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
From that moment, France began to take control. The Senegalese defence, so effective during the first half, started to leave spaces that France’s attackers eagerly exploited.
In the 82nd minute, Adrien Rabiot drove forward through midfield before releasing Bradley Barcola. The Paris Saint-Germain winger showed great composure, delicately lifting the ball over the advancing Mendy to double France’s advantage.
Senegal refused to surrender and pulled a goal back in stoppage time through an outstanding individual effort from 18-year-old PSG prospect Mbaye. The young winger dazzled with a skillful run before firing past Mike Maignan to briefly revive hopes of a comeback.
Any remaining suspense lasted only moments.
Mbappé produced a stunning long-range strike shortly afterwards to seal the 3-1 victory and complete his brace. The goal carried special significance, as it marked his 58th international goal, moving him past Olivier Giroud to become the all-time leading scorer in the history of the French national team.
The result gives France an important three points to begin its World Cup journey, but the performance also highlighted areas for improvement. Senegal demonstrated that disciplined and organised opponents can still trouble one of the tournament favourites.
Ultimately, however, France’s exceptional individual quality made the difference. When players such as Mbappé and Olise find space, they remain among the most dangerous attacking forces in world football.
For Senegal, the defeat will be disappointing given the quality of their first-half display, but there were enough positive signs to suggest they remain strong contenders to progress from the group stage.