World Cup 2026: Senegal falls to France and will have big regrets

16.06.26 FT World Cup

France

3

:

Senegal

1

Senegal can leave the pitch frustrated after their World Cup 2026 opener. Dominant in the first half and solid defensively for much of the match, the Lions of Teranga ultimately paid the price for their lack of efficiency against a French side that was more clinical in decisive moments.

France made a strong start to their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal at New York's MetLife Stadium. However, the final score doesn’t truly reflect the flow of the game, as the Lions of Teranga held the Blues in check for long stretches and even dominated the first half without being able to capitalize on their best chances.

See also: Argentina vs. Algeria—where and when to watch the World Cup match live?

Indeed, Pape Thiaw’s men applied intense pressure and unsettled the French build-up, while Kylian Mbappé’s teammates failed to register a single shot on target before the break. However, Senegal’s lack of finishing touch proved costly—a harsh reality in football, where failing to convert opportunities so often leads to punishment from the opposition.

After the break, France raised their game and became far more clinical. Mbappé opened the scoring before Didier Deschamps’ substitutions made the difference with a goal from Bradley Barcola. Despite Ibrahim Mbaye pulling one back in stoppage time, Les Bleus instantly responded with a second goal from their captain, sealing a win that was harsher than Senegal’s performance deserved.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

Related teams and leagues

France

Senegal

World Cup