France beat Senegal 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 match, but the game is overshadowed by a disputed penalty incident involving Kylian Mbappé. In the 59th minute, Mbappé goes down in the penalty area after a sliding challenge by Senegal’s Sadio Mané. France players and staff appeal for a penalty, and the referee Alireza Faghani declines to award one initially, instead signaling a goal kick. A VAR review is then carried out. After examining the footage, the referee stands by the original call, determining that Mbappé initiated contact. The decision leaves Mbappé visibly frustrated and draws immediate criticism from France, including head coach Didier Deschamps, who is reported to be furious and seen arguing with officials. Reports also note criticism from pundits, former referees and some fans following the match, while the officiating decision is described as difficult due to the nature and level of contact in the challenge.
VAR upholds no-penalty decision against France after Mbappé tackle by Senegal’s Mané
France beat Senegal 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 match, but the game is overshadowed by a disputed penalty incident involving Kylian Mbappé. In the 59th minute, Mbappé goes down in the penalty are...
- France defeat Senegal 2-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 match.
- In the 59th minute, Kylian Mbappé goes down in the area after a sliding challenge by Sadio Mané.
- Referee Alireza Faghani does not award a penalty and initially signals a goal kick.
- After VAR review, the referee maintains the decision, concluding Mbappé initiated contact.
- France’s Didier Deschamps and others criticize the ruling following the decision.
France secured a 2-0 win over Senegal, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial refereeing decision involving Kylian Mbappe. The France captain was brought down in the penalty area by Sadio Mane, yet referee Alireza Faghani refused to award a penalty even after a VAR review. The decision drew strong criticism from pundits, former referees and many fans watching worldwide.
10 hours agoFrance were denied a penalty after Kylian Mbappe was tackled from behind by Sadio Mane during their FIFA World Cup 2026 clash in Miami.Mbappe went down following the challenge, and the referee sought Video Assistant Referee (VAR) assistance but stood by his decision, determining that it was Mbappe who had "initiated contact".France head coach Didier Deschamps was livid after the decision in what was a controversial moment in the match.pic.twitter.com/7AdpVRLxQy— @talkFootX | follow (@sadgirlmalvina) June 16, 2026 What happened in France vs Senegal?In the 59th minute, Kylian Mbappe was brought down in the box by a sliding tackle from Sadio Mane. France appealed for a penalty bu the referee remained unmoved and signalled for a goal kick. After VAR review, the ref in question was asked to take a look at the screen to make a decision. After going over the footage, the referee stuck to his decision and did not award France the penalty. The decision confused Mbappe, while France head coach Didier Deschamps was furious and argued with the 4th official. He could be seen gesturing that there was contact between Mane and Mbappe. Kylian Mbappé Equals French Goal-Scoring Record With His First Goal Of FIFA World Cup 2026 | VIDEOWhy was the penalty not given?The referee after viewing the footage signalled a goal kick and said that it was Mbappe who had initiated contact. The France forward jumped over the sliding Mane before tumbling onto the ground. Mbappe effectively hurdled over Mane’s leg after spotting the challenging coming in.Was it the right decision? It is tricky, but given the minimal contact, the referee opted to side with Senegal on that instance.
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