World Cup
7:00 p.mJune 16, 2026
Group stage – 1
MetLife Stadium
Referee: Alireza Faghani, Australia
France
Senegal
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.89
Expected Goals (xG)
0.50
-1.11
Prevented goals
-1.11
Passing by
500 (88%)
Accurate passes
426 (86%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
16
G
Mike Maignan
6.3
19
d
Theo Hernandez
6.5
17
d
Guillem Saliba
6.7
4
d
Dayot Upamecano
7.9
5
d
Jules Koundé
6.3
m
Adrien Rabiot
82′
8
m
Aurélien Tchouaméni
7.3
20
m
Desiré Doué
6.7
7
m
Ousmane Dembélé
7.0
m
Miquel Olise
66′ F
Kylian Mbappé (C)
66′
90+6′
Substitutes
F
Bradley Barcola
82′
80′ Replaced by O. Dembele
22
F
Jean-Philippe Mateta
9
F
Marcus Thuram
25
m
Maghnes Akliouche
18
m
Warren Zaire-Emery
m
Ryan Cherki
87′ Replaced by D. Doue
13
m
N’Golo Kanté
6
m
Manu Cone
2
d
bad flight
15
d
Ibrahima Konate
3
d
Lucas Digne
21
d
Lucas Hernandez
26
d
Maxence Lacroix
23
G
Robin Risser
1
G
Brice Samba
16
G
Edouard Mendy
6.7
25
d
The Hadji Malick Diouf
6.2
19
d
Moussa Niakhate
6.5
3
d
Kalidou Koulibaly (C)
6.2
15
d
Krepin Diatta
6.9
26
m
Papa Gueye
6.9
5
m
Idrissa Gana Gueye
6.6
10
m
Sadio Mané
6.3
8
m
Lamine Camara
6.2
18
m
Ismaila Sarr
6.3
11
F
Nicholas Jackson
5.9
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France defeated Senegal 3-1 at the MetLife Stadium to secure a commanding World Cup win, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to seal the result in dramatic fashion.
France dominated this global clash from start to finish, controlling possession and creating numerous chances throughout the game. Senegal traveled to New Jersey hoping to pull off an upset, but the African side have struggled to match the hosts’ intensity and quality in the final third.
The first half saw France establish control early on. They maintained 54 percent possession and pressed high up the pitch, forcing Senegal into defensive positions. The French midfield controlled the pace, with crisp passing and intelligent movement creating space in dangerous areas.
Senegal’s goalkeeper made five saves in the first 45 minutes, keeping the scores level despite pressure from France. The visitors showed resilience but lacked the edge needed to trouble the French defence. France registered eight shots on target in the half, although clinical finishing remained difficult.
Finally, the breakthrough came in the 66th minute. Mbappé latched on to a loose ball and fired past the keeper to give France a deserved lead. The goal kicked France’s attacking game into higher gear, with the team feeling they could run away with the game.
Barcola added a second goal in the 82nd minute, replacing a tiring French striker and making an immediate impact. His clinical finish doubled the lead and looked to have sealed the game with eight minutes remaining.
However, Senegal refused to give up completely. Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in the 90th minute plus five, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope and some cheer for the crowd. The goal marked a tense finish.
Mbappé scored the winner moments later in the 90th minute plus six, firing home his second goal to secure a 3-1 victory. The strike capped off an impressive individual performance from the French star, who completed four shots on goal and controlled the final moments of the game.
France’s statistics tell the story of its rule. They have managed 11 total shots with eight on target, compared to Senegal’s six total shots and just two on target. France’s expected goals figure of 1.89 was better than Senegal’s 0.5, reflecting the quality of the chances created.
Mbappé’s two goals earned him a match rating of 8.2, the highest on the pitch. Barcola impressed during his cameo with a 7.9 rating, while Michael Olise provided creative support with four key passes. Dayot Upamecano anchored the French defense with six tackles and a grade of 7.9.
This impressive victory puts France through with maximum confidence. The offensive prowess and defensive solidity of the team suggest that they will be a serious contender in the round of 16 of this World Cup tournament.
