France 3-1 Senegal — Final score in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I opener (June 16, 2026).Goal scorers:
France got the job done against a spirited Senegal side in a rematch of the famous 2002 upset. Mbappé was the star with two goals (including a very late clincher), while Barcola added the second. Senegal fought until the end but couldn’t stop Les Bleus from taking all three points.
🇫🇷 FRANCE 3-1 SENEGAL 🇸🇳 FIFA World Cup 2026 • Group I • June 16, 2026 MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (Attendance: 80,545)
nytimes.com
Huge French support in MetLife Stadium – The Athletic
Final Score: France 3-1 Senegal ✅
Goal Timeline
- 66′ — Kylian Mbappé (France) 1-0
- 82′ — Bradley Barcola (France) 2-0
- 90’+5′ — Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal) 2-1
- 90’+6′ — Kylian Mbappé (France) 3-1
Match Recap
A cagey, goalless first half saw Senegal threaten on the break — Nicolas Jackson hit the post and Ismaïla Sarr spurned a big chance. France dominated possession but couldn’t break through.
The second half belonged to Les Bleus. Mbappé finally opened his 2026 World Cup account in the 66th minute. Substitute Bradley Barcola then made it 2-0 with a clinical finish in the 82nd.
Senegal refused to die — Mbaye’s superb individual strike in the 90th+5 made it 2-1 and set up late drama. But Mbappé had the final word with a stunning 30-yard rocket into the top corner in the 90th+6 to seal the win and spark wild celebrations.
amny.com
france24.com
Key Stats
- Possession: France 54% – Senegal 46%
- xG: France 1.89 – Senegal 0.50
- Shots on target: France dominated
- Both teams lined up in 4-2-3-1
Standout Moments
- Mbappé’s brace (including a record-breaking goal for France)
- Barcola’s instant impact off the bench
- Senegal’s never-say-die spirit with the late goal
- Packed MetLife Stadium atmosphere with huge French support
northjersey.com
France vs Senegal photos World Cup at MetLife Stadium
France start their World Cup campaign with 3 points and a statement win. Senegal showed quality and fight but couldn’t hold on after the break. No repeat of the famous 2002 upset this time!
#FRAvsSEN — What a blockbuster Group I opener! 🔥
France move on strong — Senegal will look to bounce back in their next match. Who was your Man of the Match? Mbappé or someone else?
