France shrugged off a slow start and a controversial penalty decision to beat Senegal 3-1 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe scored the opener after he was denied a penalty despite VAR sending the referee to the monitor, before Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead with a delightful chip.
Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in stoppage time, only for Mbappe to immediately restore the two-goal lead with a thumping strike.
Senegal were left to rue a number of missed opportunities in the first half, including Nicolas Jackson hitting the post and Ismaila Sarr inexplicably blazing over the crossbar from point-blank range.
Another assist for Michael Olise for Mbappe’s second goal.
Though it was a bit more ‘Hector Enrique to Diego Maradona’ — a simple pass on the halfway line before a brilliant individual goal — than his first assist.
Source :The Athletic
