2026 World Cup: Mbappé leads the Blues to victory against Senegal
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
France starts the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory against Senegal, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappé and a goal from Barcola. The Lions of Teranga, solid in the first half, were unable to contain the acceleration of the Blues in the second half.
France launched its 2026 World Cup campaign perfectly by winning 3-1 against Senegal in the first meeting of Group I. After a contested and sterile first half, where Senegal worried the French defense several times through Ismaïla Sarr and Nicolas Jackson, the Blues were able to make the difference in the second half.
Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, taking advantage of a precise cross from Michael Olise to open the scoring. Coach Didier Deschamps then saw Bradley Barcola, who had just come on, double the lead in the 82nd minute, slipping the ball out of the reach of Édouard Mendy.
Image
Senegal was not unworthy and reduced the gap in added time thanks to Mbaye, who entered the game (90th + 5). But while the Lions were still celebrating this goal, Mbappé responded immediately with a long-range strike, scoring his second goal of the evening (90th + 6) and sealing the French victory.
Despite a few scares in the first half – notably a big missed opportunity from Sarr just before the break – the Blues gradually took control of the match, relying on a solid defense and a vigilant Mike Maignan in goal. Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise also showed their advantage in attack.
With this convincing victory, France is off to an ideal start in Group I, while Senegal will have to react on the next day. All eyes are already on the next matches to confirm this dynamic.