France beats Senegal 3-1 in World Cup qualifier, Mbappé scores twice

France kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in a match that evoked memories of their previous encounter in the 2002 tournament. The Group I fixture, played in New York, saw France secure a crucial win against a determined Senegalese side.

The first half was a balanced affair with few clear-cut chances. Senegal had the best opportunity when Nicolas Jackson hit the post in the 25th minute. Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mané also threatened the French goal, while France's Ousmane Dembele had a shot blocked. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.

France raised their intensity after the break, and Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, finishing from inside the box after a period of French dominance. Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute, capitalizing on a pass from Adrien Rabiot.

Senegal found a lifeline in the 90+5th minute when Ibrahim Mbaye scored a spectacular long-range goal. However, France's Mbappé immediately responded just a minute later with an exceptional strike from distance, sealing the 3-1 victory and securing all three points for France.