
France got Group I of the 2026 World Cup off to a flying start, beating Senegal 3-1. Didier Deschamps had a difficult first half, with the Africans coming very close to a goal when Jackson hit the post.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 66th minute, then Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute with an assist from Rabiot.
Youngster Mbaye scored a 95th-minute goal for Senegal, but moments later Mbappé sealed the victory with a stunning strike that moved him ahead of Giroud on the all-time French goalscoring list.
match
France started the World Cup with three points thanks to a 3-1 victory over Senegal. In the 25th minute, Jackson had a colossal opportunity: on a counterattack, the Bayern striker hit the post with his left foot. Towards the end of the first half, the Africans had another chance: Sarr, from an excellent position inside the area, shot over the crossbar. The first half ended evenly, but with France calm, but things changed at the start of the second half. At first, Mendy saved Olise's shot and then Mbappé was brought down in the area by Mané. Referee Feghani, even after a VAR review, did not award a penalty.
The French fired up and in the 66th minute, they struck: Olise found Mbappé in the area, who, with a right-footed shot, made it 1-0, equalling Olivier Giroud at the top of the list of all-time French goalscorers.
Senegal responded immediately with a powerful shot from Jackson that beat Maignan, but was offside. France controlled the game and made several substitutions, and in the 82nd minute, substitute Barcola doubled the lead with a brilliant shot from a pass from Rabiot.
In the 95th minute, PSG youngster Mbaye beat a less than perfect Maignan, but seconds later history was made: Mbappé scored with a powerful right-footed shot from long range, making it 3-1 and also becoming France's all-time top scorer, surpassing Giroud.