New Delhi, June 17 -- Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France beat Senegal 3-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I opener at MetLife Stadium. The 2018 champions showed their class in the second half after a tense first 45 minutes, with Bradley Barcola also on target. Senegal fought hard and grabbed a late consolation through Ibrahim Mbaye, but France held on for all three points.

The result puts Didier Deschamps' side top of the group with a perfect start. It also marked Mbappe's first goals of the tournament and took his international tally to 58.

The opening period was cagey and physical. Senegal looked dangerous on the counter, with Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr causing problems down the flanks. Nicolas Jackson hit the post with a powerf...