France overcomes Senegal in World Cup opener after early scare

France began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory over Senegal, demonstrating their ability to recover from an early setback. The match evoked memories of the 2002 World Cup, where Senegal eliminated France in the group stage, a historical context that coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged but downplayed.

Senegal provided an early warning when Nicolas Jackson's shot struck the post and ricocheted dangerously close to the goal line. This moment highlighted the potential threat from the African side, who were finalists in the recent Africa Cup of Nations. The first half saw Senegal dominate in shots on goal, with five attempts compared to France's one, indicating an initial struggle for the French team.

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I know you like to use the word 'revenge,' but there is no revenge in football.

However, France improved significantly in the second half. Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a skillful turn and finish after a precise pass from Bayern Munich's Michael Olise. This goal eased the early doubts and set France on course for victory. A further goal in the 82nd minute solidified their win, ensuring a positive start to their tournament.

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We will ensure that the result is positive for us this time.