France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their opening 2026 World Cup Group I match on June 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey [1, 2, 3, 4]. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a stoppage-time long-range strike that secured the win and his place as France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud’s previous record of 57 [5, 2, 6, 7]. Giroud congratulated Mbappe, saying, "Congrats, Kylian. You made it. I'm really happy for him." [2]
Bradley Barcola added France’s third goal after coming off the bench, ensuring a comfortable lead against a Senegal side that showed attacking threats and scored once amid defensive lapses by the French [2, 3, 4]. France coach Didier Deschamps started the team with a four-man attack featuring Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue [1, 3]. However, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw noted his team needs to improve defensive compactness and attacking efficiency. He said, "We need to keep working on that to keep the lines closer. This will enable us to have a more compact block, not to work left to right." [4]
France defender Malo Gusto said he is prepared to compete for a starting spot but acknowledged Jules Kounde remains the first-choice right back. "We know we have a squad of very high quality and competition is important... I know Jules starts. I came here to play, that's why I'm here... I'll be ready whatever happens and I'll give everything for the shirt whenever I'm on the pitch," Gusto said [8].
After their opening victory, France’s Group I schedule includes matches against Iraq on June 21 in Philadelphia and Norway on June 26 [2, 4, 8]. Meanwhile, in Group H action on June 21, Cape Verde earned a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 21st minute, with Helio Varela equalizing late after Uruguay led 2-1 at halftime [9, 10].
