France vs Senegal 3-1: World Cup 2026 – as it happened

That’s all for our live coverage of France’s opening game at World Cup 2026.

Mbappe and co kicked off their tournament with a 3-1 win in New Jersey.

Stick with Al Jazeera Sport for more live coverage of the tournament, but for now, from me Adam Hancock and my colleague Patrick Keddie, goodbye!

We’re into the thick of it now at this tournament, with four matches per day.

Next up is Iraq’s Group I opener against Norway in Boston.

Following that, we will get our first look at Lionel Messi and Argentina as they face Algeria in Kansas City.

Our build-up to that match has already begun, and you can click here to join Kevin Hand and Rohan Shama for all the action.

The final match of the day features Jordan and Austria in San Francisco.

You can read our full recap of the Group I opener in New Jersey here.

Les Bleus head to Philadelphia for their next Group I encounter, where they will face Iraq next Monday.

That game kicks off at 5pm local time (21:00 GMT).

Senegal will stay in New Jersey, with Norway their next opponents. That is a Monday evening match, kicking off at 8pm US Eastern Time (00:00 GMT on Tuesday).

Two goals in the opening game, and the Real Madrid man is now the leading goal scorer for his country:

• Kylian Mappe: 58
• Olivier Giroud: 57
• Thierry Henry: 51
• Antoine Griezmann: 44
• Michel Platini: 41

Early days yet, but France sit top of the “group of death”.

Iraq and Norway play shortly, with their game in Boston kicking off in 35 minutes.

It's what he does. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/p7YzvFnTfj

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2026

The AFCON finalists have been handed a tough draw at this World Cup after being placed in the “group of death.”

They looked up to the challenge during the first half of this game, as they asked plenty of questions of France.

Jackson hit the post, and Sarr missed a huge opportunity as the African side pushed for an opener.

But they eventually conceded to some Olise and Mbappe brilliance, and the floodgates opened after that.

France have so much strength and depth in their squad, and it will be difficult for any side to deal with them.

Kylian Mbappé has 14 goals in World Cup games.

Only Miroslav Klose (16) and Ronaldo (15) have scored more in the history of the competition. pic.twitter.com/fJQP4EX5wj

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 16, 2026

The first half of this match was, to put it bluntly, terrible.

France were sloppy and lethargic and lacked any real threat.

But that all changed in the second half. Les Bleus were growing into the game when Mbappe was denied a penalty after Mane slid in on him in the box.

And it didn’t take long for the Real Madrid man to make amends as he showed all his talent to slide the ball past Mendy after making a fantastic run to get on the end of an Olise through ball.

Barcola made it 2-0 when he scored less than two minutes after coming off the bench.

Senegal pulled a late goal back through Mbaye, but they barely had time to consider a comeback before Mbappe smashed one home from about 30 yards out to seal the win for France.

Mbappe’s two goals in this game have put him clear at the top of France’s all-time leading goalscorer list.

His first finish was lovely, but his second was absolutely sensational.

He’s picked up where he left off in the World Cup final.

Did that cross the line?!

Senegal almost have another as Tchouameni nearly scores an own goal. Maignan does well to stop it on the line.

That’s the last action of the match. Plenty to unpack from that second half!

Full-time: France 3-1 Senegal

That is too good!

Mbappe has smashed one home from well outside the area to become France’s top all-time goalscorer.

Mendy stretched to reach it, but the shot was just too good.

90+8 mins: France 3-1 Senegal

90+6 mins: France 3-1 Senegal

Hello!

Not long left, but Senegal have given themselves a chance here. It’s a wonderful goal from the teenager Mbaye, who shows great control before smashing a shot past Maignan.

90+6 mins: France 2-1 Senegal

France are enjoying plenty of possession in these final few minutes as the game drifts towards its conclusion.

They were tested for a long spell in this game by Senegal, but their class has shone through.

90+4 mins: France 2-0 Senegal

Hydration breaks, VAR checks and goal celebrations all add up.

90+1 mins: France 2-0 Senegal

Barcola has looked really threatening since coming on, a reminder of how much quality Deschamps has to play with.

Senegal have just made their final substitution of the afternoon with the minutes ticking down.

89 mins: France 2-0 Senegal

Pathe Ciss replaces Idrissa Gueye.

The Man City attacker replaces Desire Doue.