France Hit Three to Open Group I Account
France got their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a winning start, beating Senegal 3–1 in Group I on 16 June 2026. The match was settled in the closing stages, with Mbappé’s double proving the difference between the two sides.
For much of the contest, a single goal separated the teams. Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute to give France the lead. Barcola extended the advantage in the 82nd minute, and the game appeared to be heading for a comfortable French victory.
The final moments, however, produced a dramatic flurry of goals. Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in the 90th+5th minute to give the scoreline a more nervous complexion, only for Mbappé to immediately restore France’s two-goal cushion in the 90th+6th minute and seal the result.
Group I Standings
The victory puts France top of Group I with three points from their opening game. Senegal sit bottom on zero points after their first outing. Norway and Iraq are yet to play and sit on zero points having not yet featured — you can follow all the latest live World Cup 2026 standings as the group stage unfolds.
For everything else surrounding the tournament, visit the World Cup 2026 hub for full coverage across all groups.