France won 3-1 against Senegal in their 2026 World Cup Group I opening match on June 16 in East Rutherford, New Jersey [1, 2]. The game was scoreless at halftime after Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr missed a close-range chance in a lackluster first half [1, 2].
France manager Didier Deschamps gave a frank halftime talk to his players, telling them, “I am frank with my players. We didn’t have the best first half, we could do better on many levels. I don’t shout but I do give a piece of my mind, they have to make the right decisions,” according to Deschamps [1].
The second half saw a marked change. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, becoming France’s all-time leading scorer [1, 2]. Deschamps defended his star forward amid criticism, saying, “He’s not here to defend. If he wants to miss the first half and score two goals in the second, that’s OK with me.” The manager added, “People will still criticise him but he’s an iconic player, I’ve always said that. With one action, he is able to tip the scales and bring his team to victory.”
Bradley Barcola, who was brought on as a substitute, scored France’s second goal in the 82nd minute [1, 2]. Meanwhile, Michael Olise was moved to a more creative playmaking role, helping France break through Senegal’s defense [1, 2].
The victory helped erase the memory of France’s shock 2002 World Cup opening loss to Senegal [1, 2]. France will next face Iraq before closing the group stage against Norway [1, 2].