France's Mbappe scores twice despite controversial VAR call in 3-1 win
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 9:32 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
France began their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Kylian Mbappe was involved in a controversial moment when he was not awarded a penalty after a challenge from Sadio Mane in the 58th minute. After reviewing the incident, referee Alireza Faghani awarded a goal-kick, stating Mbappe initiated the contact, a decision met with widespread disbelief from referees and analysts alike. Despite the VAR controversy, France secured the win with Mbappe scoring two goals, making him the country's all-time leading scorer with 58 goals.
- •France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup opener on June 16.
- •Mbappe scored two goals, becoming France's all-time leading scorer.
- •Referee Faghani controversially denied a penalty for Mbappe after a Mane challenge.
- •The incident sparked criticism from former players and referees.
- •France aims to advance further in the tournament after this win.
- 9:32 PMYahoo Sports — The VAR call that dumbfounded the world's best refs
- 9:32 PMBBC Sport — The VAR call that dumbfounded the world's best refs
"France are left stunned at the decision not to award a penalty as Kylian Mbappe goes down under Sadio Mane's tackle.
"France are left stunned at the decision not to award a penalty as Kylian Mbappe goes down under Sadio Mane's tackle.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 9:32 PMThe VAR call that dumbfounded the world's best refs
France are left stunned at the decision not to award a penalty as Kylian Mbappe goes down under Sadio Mane's tackle.
- BBC SportJun 16, 2026, 9:32 PMThe VAR call that dumbfounded the world's best refs
France are left stunned at the decision not to award a penalty as Kylian Mbappe goes down under Sadio Mane's tackle.
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