New York/New Jersey Stadium hosted the opening Group I fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where France, the tournament’s previous runners-up, secured a 3–1 victory over Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal. The result was seen as a form of revenge for France’s defeat in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup against Senegal.
The first half was largely balanced and lacked major attacking intensity, though Senegal created the clearer chances. In the 25th minute, Nicolas Jackson struck the post, with the rebound then deflecting off Mike Maignan before going out, as France were fortunate to escape conceding. Deep into first-half stoppage time (45+6), Ismaïla Sarr missed a golden opportunity from inside the six-yard box, failing to convert what looked like a certain goal.
France improved after the break. In the 53rd minute, Michael Olise tested Édouard Mendy, who produced a solid save. Just four minutes later, Kylian Mbappé also came close, but again Mendy stood firm. A controversial moment followed when Mbappé went down in the box; referee Alireza Faghani initially awarded a corner, but after VAR review, not only was the penalty appeal dismissed, but it was also confirmed that even the corner decision was incorrect.
The breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Olise delivered a superb pass and Mbappé calmly finished to give France a deserved lead. Senegal thought they had equalised in the 68th minute through a brilliant Nicolas Jackson strike, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up.
France sealed the win in the 82nd minute when substitute Bradley Barcola, introduced just two minutes earlier, found the net to secure all three points for Didier Deschamps’ side.
In the final moments after Ibrahim Mbaye’s 90+5 minute goal for Senegal, Kylian Mbappé suddenly found another burst of inspiration. With a stunning strike, he scored his second of the match and France’s third in the 90+6 minute, putting the result beyond doubt in spectacular fashion.
The other teams in Group I, Norway and Iraq, will meet after this fixture.
