France nabs 3-1 win against Senegal in 2002 World Cup rematch

France downed Senegal 3-1 with massive second half performance, led by an Mbappé brace during this 2002 World Cup rematch.

The first half, oddly, saw very little offensive action from either side.

Just six shots were attempted during the first 45 minutes, with France’s sole attempt coming in the 19th minute.

French superstar, Kylian Mbappé, was a non-factor for the entirety of the first half.

Senegal would receive a great chance late into stoppage time to break the deadlock.

Ismaïla Sarr would recover a bounding ball and just 10 yards out, would sky a strike over the bar.

Both teams would head into the locker room scoreless.

Early in the second half, however, France came out looking to take the lead.

In the first 15 minutes of the half, France created several scoring opportunities.

In the 47th minute, Désiré Doué would drive a strike from 26 yards out that missed just wide.

In the 53rd minute Michael Olise would spoil a golden opportunity to score, having his strike knocked away by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

And in the 57th minute Mbappé would take a through pass into the box, having his attempt on net thwarted by Mendy.

Just two minutes later a possible game changing play occurred.

While driving in the box, Mbappé was taken down Senegal’s Sadio Mané.

However, following a VAR check, it was determined there was no foul.

But France and Mbappé, determined to break through, continued to press.

And it finally happened in the 66th minute.

With Mbappé making a run into the box, Olise would slot a beautiful through ball, which Mbappé would bury home, first touch.

Heartbreak for the Senegalese came in the 68th, when Nicolas Jackson would strike home the supposed equalizer.

It would not be, however, as just a few moments later the offsides flag would be raised.

In the 82nd minute, France’s Bradley Barcola would secure their second goal of the match.

In the 90+5th minute, Senegal proved they weren’t ready to go away.

Ibrahim Mbaye would get one back for the Senegalese, bringing some hope that a comeback was still possible.

But just moments later in the 90+6th minute, Mbappé would quiet all talk of a comeback with a top corner strike from 32 yards out.

Senegal would get one more shot at grabbing their second of the match.

In the 90+9th minute a Senegal cross into the box saw French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni come inches away from an own goal.

Luckily for Tchouaméni, goalkeeper Mike Maignan managed to just keep the errand ball from crossing the line.

With the full-time whistle, France would officially secure the 3-1 rematch victory.

France and Senegal will both play next on Monday.

France will take on Iraq at 5 p.m.

And Senegal will match up against Norway at 8 p.m.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

About the Author Published Jun 16, 2026

ADRIAN MURILLO SILVA

Adrian Murillo Silva covers both MLB and soccer news for Ball Exclusives. He has previously worked with other news publications such as The Lantern, the independent student voice of Ohio State.