MOSCOW, Russia — Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Senegal in a thrilling Group A opener at the Luzhniki Stadium on Tuesday night.
The French captain opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a clinical finish from outside the box, before doubling the lead just before half-time with a powerful header from an Ousmane Dembélé cross. Senegal pulled one back through Ismaila Sarr’s stunning strike in the 58th minute, but Olawoyin Olise’s composed finish in the 72nd minute sealed the win for the defending champions.
Les Bleus dominated possession from the outset, with Ademola Lookman causing constant problems for the Senegalese defence with his pace and dribbling on the left flank. The Nigerian-born winger, who recently switched allegiance to France, provided the assist for Olise’s goal with a perfectly weighted through ball that split the Senegalese backline.
France’s midfield duo of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga controlled the tempo throughout, dictating play and breaking up Senegal’s counter-attacking attempts. The Senegalese, without the injured Sadio Mané, struggled to create clear-cut chances despite their spirited second-half display.
The victory extends France’s unbeaten run in World Cup group-stage matches to 12 games, dating back to their 2014 campaign. Didier Deschamps’ side now sit top of Group A following the earlier draw between Canada and Saudi Arabia.
Mbappé, who scored four goals in the 2022 World Cup, has already announced his intention to claim the Golden Boot in this tournament. “We started well, but there is still a long way to go,” the 27-year-old said after the match. “We respect every opponent, and Senegal showed they are a quality side.”
Senegal coach Aliou Cissé acknowledged that France’s quality proved too much for his team. “We lost to a great team with world-class players. We will learn from this and fight for qualification.”
France will face Canada in their next group match, while Senegal must regroup before taking on Saudi Arabia.
