France
SenegalHow did the teams perform?
France
Senegal
Match Stats
Lineup
France
82'
66'
66'
90+6'
82'
80' Replaced by O. Dembele
87' Replaced by D. Doue
Senegal
83' Replaced by N. Jackson
90+5'
75' Replaced by I. Sarr
76' Replaced by L. Camara
90+5'
83' Replaced by P. Gueye
88' Replaced by I. Gueye
No standings data available for this league
France defeated Senegal 3-1 at MetLife Stadium to secure a commanding World Cup victory, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to seal the result in dramatic fashion.
France dominated this World Cup clash from start to finish, controlling possession and creating numerous chances throughout the match. Senegal traveled to New Jersey hoping to pull off an upset, but the African side struggled to match the hosts’ intensity and quality in the final third.
The first half saw France establish control early. They maintained 54 percent possession and pressed high up the pitch, forcing Senegal into defensive positions. France’s midfield controlled the tempo, with crisp passing and intelligent movement creating space in dangerous areas.
Senegal’s goalkeeper made five saves in the opening 45 minutes, keeping the score level despite France’s pressure. The visitors showed resilience but lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble France’s defense. France registered eight shots on goal by halftime, though clinical finishing remained elusive.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute. Mbappé latched onto a loose ball and fired past the goalkeeper to give France a deserved lead. The goal sparked France’s attacking play into a higher gear, with the team sensing they could run away with the match.
Barcola added a second goal in the 82nd minute, replacing a tiring France forward and immediately making an impact. His clinical finish doubled the advantage and appeared to have settled the contest with eight minutes remaining.
However, Senegal refused to surrender completely. Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in the 90th minute plus five, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope and the crowd something to cheer. The goal set up a tense finale.
Mbappé sealed victory moments later in the 90th minute plus six, firing home his second goal to secure a 3-1 triumph. The strike capped an impressive individual performance from the French star, who completed four shots on target and controlled the game’s final moments.
France’s statistics tell the story of their dominance. They managed 11 total shots with eight on target, compared to Senegal’s six total shots and just two on target. France’s expected goals figure of 1.89 exceeded Senegal’s 0.5, reflecting the quality of chances created.
Mbappé’s two-goal haul earned him a match rating of 8.2, the highest on the pitch. Barcola impressed during his cameo appearance with a 7.9 rating, while Michael Olise provided creative support with four key passes. Dayot Upamecano anchored France’s defense with six tackles and a 7.9 rating.
This commanding victory sends France through with maximum confidence. The team’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity suggest they will be a serious contender in the knockout stages of this World Cup tournament.
