France took a major step toward the knockout stage with a 3-1 win over Senegal on Tuesday in the 2026 World Cup, a match played in New Jersey and loaded with historic symbolism for fans because of the long ties between Paris and Dakar dating back to colonial rule. Didier Deschamps, coaching at his fourth consecutive World Cup, saw his team improve its position in Group I, where it now has one and a half feet in the playoff round.
Kylian Mbappe was the decisive figure, scoring twice in the 66th and 96th minutes and reaching 58 goals for France, a national-record total. His first goal moved him level with Olivier Giroud on 57 before he passed him with the late winner. Bradley Barcola added France’s second in the 82nd minute, just two minutes after coming on, finishing a fine chip over Edouard Mendy after a pass from Adrien Rabiot.
Senegal matched France for long stretches and created the first real chances of the game. Sadio Mane won the ball from Mbappe and set Nicolas Jackson free, but from a tight angle Jackson hit the near post. Right before halftime, Ismaila Sarr almost gave Senegal the lead, but his finish went over the bar. France had been held scoreless in the opening half despite the atmosphere in the stadium.
After the break, Michael Olise set up Mbappe’s opener with a precise ball through the center backs. Senegal did pull one back in the 95th minute through Ibrahim Mbaye, but it was too late to change the result. France next face Iraq, while Senegal will meet Norway.
