Kylian Mbappé delivered a captain’s masterclass as France began their FIFA World Cup Group I campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The win also served as revenge for Les Bleus, 23 years after Senegal shocked them in the 2002 World Cup opener.
The first half was a tactical stalemate. France controlled possession and probed for openings, but Senegal stayed compact and dangerous on the break. Goalkeepers Mike Maignan and Édouard Mendy were barely tested as the teams went in goalless at halftime.
The game exploded after the break. Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a ferocious right-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Mendy.
France doubled their lead in the 82nd minute when substitute Bradley Barcola finished clinically after a superb through ball from Adrien Rabiot.
Senegal grabbed hope deep into stoppage time through teenager Ibrahim Mbaye in the 94th minute, but Mbappé killed the comeback one minute later with a thunderous strike to complete his brace in the 6th minute of added time.
Mbappé’s two goals underlined his importance to France’s title chase, while Barcola’s impact off the bench highlighted Les Bleus’ depth.
For Senegal, Mbaye’s late strike was a positive, but they were punished by France’s quality in key moments.
The result puts France in a strong early position in Group I, while Senegal must bounce back in their next game to keep qualification hopes alive.
