World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappe's brace powers France to 3-1 win over Senegal

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It was an ugly first half for the 2022 World Cup runners up, but France took control of its opening match in the second half behind goal from superstar Kylian Mbappe to beat Senegal 2-0 on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in New Jersey. In a packed stadium filled with predominantly French supporters, Les Blues came out sluggish in the first half, generating only one shot despite having the majority of possession. France had only 0.02 expected goals to Senegal's 0.47, and Senegal had the best chances of the half, as striker Nicolas Jackson hit the post in the 25th minute and put one over the crossbar on the last touch of the half. France looked much more the part of the tournament co-favorite in the second half, dominating possession early and creating several scoring chances, including a VAR check for a potential penalty when Mbappe was taken down in the box in the 59th minute. No penalty was awarded. However, a few minutes later Mbappe slotted a ball past the Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy off a terrific pass from Michael Olise in the 66th minute to open the scoring. France continued to exert its will in the second half, as Adrien Rabiot played a pretty through ball to Bradley Barcola, who chipped Mendy in the 82nd minute for France's second goal. Senegal finally got on the board in stoppage time on a beautiful individual effort from Ibrahim Mbaye. Mbappe scored a few minutes later on a long shot outside the box to complete the scoring. France will next face Iraq in Group I play on Monday from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at 5:00 p.m. ET. Senegal will take on Norway at 8 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, also on Monday.