The ghost of 2002 is gone. France walked into MetLife Stadium carrying history on their shoulders - and left with three points, two Mbappé goals, and a message for the rest of Group I.
Senegal made them sweat. The Lions of Teranga pressed, probed, and hit the post through Nicolas Jackson in the first half. For a while, the old nightmare felt close again. But France found their ruthlessness when it mattered.
Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, lashing home from the centre of the box to make it 1-0. Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute with a crisp finish from the right side of the area, and suddenly Les Bleus were in control.
Senegal refused to fold. Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in the fifth minute of stoppage time, finishing from the right side of the box to set up a frantic finale. The stadium held its breath.
Mbappé had the last word. Just a minute later, he struck from outside the box to seal a 3-1 win and complete his brace. France had their three points. Senegal had their fight - but not the result.
Final score: France 3, Senegal 1. Group I is open, but France have drawn the line under the past. The favourites are up and running.