France delivered a powerful reminder of their title credentials with a thrilling victory over Senegal, overcoming a difficult first-half challenge before producing a dominant display after the break.

Against one of Africa's strongest sides, Les Bleus were forced to work hard for all three points, but inspired by Kylian Mbappe and a brilliant performance from Michael Olise, Didier Deschamps' men eventually showed why many consider them among the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy.

France Dominate Early but Senegal Stand Firm

France began the contest exactly as expected, controlling possession and pinning Senegal deep inside their own half during the opening stages.

The Europeans moved the ball confidently and dictated the tempo, but Senegal's defensive organisation prevented them from creating any genuine clear-cut opportunities.

Ousmane Dembele's blocked effort was the closest France came during a period of territorial dominance that ultimately yielded little reward.

In fact, despite spending much of the opening quarter under pressure, it was Senegal who created the first major chance of the evening.

A lightning-fast counterattack carved open the French defence as Nicolas Jackson burst beyond Dayot Upamecano before firing toward goal.

His effort beat Mike Maignan but crashed against the post before bouncing away after taking a slight touch off the goalkeeper's trailing leg.

It was a warning France failed to fully heed.

Senegal Grow Into the Match

As the first half progressed, momentum gradually shifted toward the African side.

Senegal became increasingly dangerous whenever they broke forward, using their pace and directness to unsettle the French backline.

Just before halftime, they wasted what proved to be their best opportunity of the match.

Sadio Mane produced a trademark run down the left flank before delivering a perfect cross into the penalty area.

Waiting completely unmarked was Ismaila Sarr, but from only a few yards out he volleyed over the crossbar, leaving Senegal supporters stunned.

It was a miss that would ultimately prove costly.

France Respond After the Break

Whatever was said inside the French dressing room at halftime had the desired effect.

Les Bleus emerged for the second half with renewed intensity and immediately began asking serious questions of the Senegal defence.

Desire Doue sent an early warning with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target before Michael Olise produced a dazzling run through the heart of Senegal's defence, forcing Edouard Mendy into action.

The Senegal goalkeeper then delivered another outstanding save to deny Mbappe, keeping the contest finely balanced.

But France's pressure was becoming relentless.

After seeing appeals for a penalty waved away, Mbappe finally got his reward.

Olise slipped a perfectly weighted pass into space, and the French captain showed his trademark composure, sweeping the ball beyond Mendy to break the deadlock.

The strike carried added significance, drawing Mbappe level with Olivier Giroud as France's all-time leading goalscorer.

Barcola Provides Breathing Space

Senegal attempted to respond and briefly thought they had found a way back into the game when Jackson fired into the net.

However, celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee's flag.

France then struck a decisive second blow.

Substitute Bradley Barcola timed his run to perfection, racing onto Adrien Rabiot's superb through ball before delicately lifting his finish over the advancing Mendy.

The goal gave France breathing room and appeared to settle any lingering nerves.

Mbappe Seals the Show

Senegal refused to surrender and briefly reignited hopes when Ibrahim Mbaye's powerful strike slipped through Maignan's grasp.

For a moment, there was a sense of tension inside the stadium.

Mbappe quickly erased it.

With the game entering its closing stages, the superstar forward produced one final moment of brilliance.

Collecting possession more than 30 yards from goal, he unleashed a spectacular strike that flew beyond Mendy and into the net.

It was a goal worthy of the occasion and one that further cemented his growing World Cup legacy.

The strike marked Mbappe's 14th World Cup goal, moving him within touching distance of the competition's all-time scoring record.

France Send a Warning to the World

While Senegal showed enough quality to trouble almost any team in the tournament, France's second-half performance demonstrated the frightening level they can reach when their attacking stars find rhythm.

Michael Olise was exceptional throughout, creating chances, driving forward with confidence and providing the assist that changed the match.

Mbappe once again delivered on the biggest stage, while France's depth was highlighted by the impact of substitutes such as Barcola.

Most importantly, Deschamps' side left the field with three points and a performance that will have caught the attention of every title contender.

The World Cup is still young, but France have already sent a clear message.

They are here not just to compete.

They are here to win.