Kathmandu, June 17: Star forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing victory over Senegal on Tuesday night.
France defeated Senegal 3-1 at New York Stadium, with Mbappé netting a brace and Bradley Barcola adding the other goal. Ibrahima Mbaye scored Senegal’s lone goal of the match.
After a tightly contested first half, Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, giving France a deserved lead. Barcola then doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute, putting the 2018 world champions firmly in control.
Senegal pulled one back in second-half stoppage time when Ibrahima Mbaye found the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and briefly raising hopes of a late comeback.
However, France responded immediately. Just a minute later, Mbappé struck again to complete his brace and restore the two-goal cushion, sealing a 3-1 victory for Les Bleus.
The win gives France three valuable points and a strong start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
