Mbappe Double Sees France Past Spirited Senegal
Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Bradley Barcola added another as France beat a spirited Senegal 3-1 in their Group I opener in New York, Ibrahim Mbaye grabbing a late consolation.
K ylian Mbappe struck twice as France overcame a spirited Senegal 3-1 in their Group I opener at New York New Jersey Stadium, in front of 80,545. Senegal pushed the favourites hard before the France captain made the difference.
Mbappe breaks through
Senegal started brightly and threatened early through Ismaila Sarr, while Nicolas Jackson struck the post. But it was Mbappe who broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, finishing past Edouard Mendy after a Michael Olise pass.
France pull clear
Substitute Bradley Barcola made it 2-0 in the 82nd. Ibrahim Mbaye curled in a fine effort for Senegal deep in stoppage time, briefly raising hopes of a comeback, but Mbappe answered almost immediately to complete his brace and seal a 3-1 win.
Group I
The result puts France top of Group I, which also features Iraq and Norway, who meet later.
Reporting: based on official FIFA match data and reports from FIFA, Bolavip and Business Standard, June 16, 2026.