France 3-1 Senegal: Match Stats & Timeline

France made an emphatic start to their 2026 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in New Jersey.

It was a tale of two halves for Les Bleus, who were underwhelming in an opening 45 minutes where Senegal looked the more threatening outfit, and the Lions of Teranga should have been ahead at the half-time interval.

Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr had the goal at his mercy from eight yards out, but the winger managed to squander his effort over the crossbar in a spurned chance that would eventually come back to haunt him.

France emerged in the second half with greater impetus and rhythm to their attacking play, and although they were denied what appeared to be a stonewall penalty, they carved their breakthrough courtesy of none other than Kylian Mbappe.

The French striker endured a torrid first half but atoned with an excellent improvised finish following a sublime, defence-splitting pass from Michael Olise.

Didier Deschamps' side doubled their advantage with less than 10 minutes remaining as substitute Bradley Barcola latched onto an Adrien Rabiot pass and the Paris Saint-Germain attacker produced a divine dinked finish to beat Edouard Mendy.

It was not all smooth sailing for France as Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbaye demonstrated why he's considered the next big thing at PSG as he wriggled past Theo Hernandez before powering the ball beyond Mike Maignan.

But Senegal fans were still celebrating when Mbappe picked up the ball from the restart and fired at goal from 30 yards out, with his rising effort flying past Mendy and rippling the back of the net.

Not only was it a goal that sealed France the game, but it was a landmark moment in Mbappe's illustrious career as he surpassed Olivier Giroud to become Les Bleus' all-time record goalscorer.

France v Senegal Timeline

66' - Goal for France. Scored by Kylian Mbappe, assisted by Michael Olise.
76' - Ibrahim Mbaye replaced Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra replaced Lamine Camara.
80' - Bradley Barcola replaced Ousmane Dembele.
82' - Goal for France. Scored by Bradley Barcola, assisted by Adrien Rabiot.
83' - Iliman Ndiaye replaced Pape Gueye, Bamba Dieng replaced Nicolas Jackson.
87' - Rayan Cherki replaced Desire Doue.
88' - Pathe Ciss replaced Idrissa Gueye.
90+5' - Goal for Senegal. Scored by Ibrahim Mbaye, assisted by Iliman Ndiaye.
90+6' - Goal for France. Scored by Kylian Mbappe.

France v Senegal Match Stats

France	3-1	Senegal
54%	Possession	46%
1.89	Expected Goals	0.50
11	Shots	6
8	Shots on Target	2
4	Big Chances	2
5	Fouls Committed	9
6	Corners	4
576	Total Passes	497
88%	Pass Accuracy	86%
18	Tackles	14
78%	Tackles Won	64%
14	Clearances	17
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0