East Rutherford – June 16, 2026: France won its first group match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2-0 against Senegal. The two teams met in Group I at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The goals for the “Équipe Tricolore” were scored by Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola.
The match began with strong defensive performances from both sides, with Senegal having the better chances in the first half. A shot by Nico Jackson hit the post in the 25th minute, preventing France from falling behind. The French offense initially struggled to gain control of the game.
After the break, the intensity of the game increased. Coach Didier Deschamps responded to the first-half challenges by deploying Michael Olise as the central playmaker and moving Ousmane Dembélé to the right wing. This tactical adjustment paid off: in the 66th minute, Olise played a precise pass to Mbappé, who skillfully finished into the net to score the opening goal. With this goal, Mbappé tied Olivier Giroud as the record top scorer of the French national team.
Senegal tried to respond to the deficit, but the French defense stood firm. In the 88th minute, Adrien Rabiot launched a precise counterattack to Bradley Barcola, who confidently converted the ball to make it 2-0, securing the deserved victory for France and a successful start to the tournament.
The French team showed a clear improvement in performance after halftime, underlining their ambitions for the competition. With this success, France solidified its position as one of the favorites for the title. The next group match is scheduled for June 20 against Iraq.
For Senegal, it was a bitter defeat, especially since they had the better chances in the first half. Nevertheless, the team remains a serious contender in Group I. Senegal’s next game is also planned for June 20 against Norway.
The match offered an exciting start to the World Cup and promised further thrilling encounters. France’s performance, particularly in the second half, is seen as a promising sign for the remainder of the tournament. In addition to offensive highlights, the defense showed stability that could prove crucial as the tournament progresses.
The victory provides the entire team with confidence as the competitive dynamics of Group I continue to intensify. Both France and Senegal now have the opportunity to prove themselves against the other group opponents in the upcoming matches. The 2026 World Cup promises high sporting quality and exciting rivalries right from the start.