Why was Kylian Mbappe Foul Rejected? Was France Wrongfully denied a Penalty against Senegal? Referee's Decision raises Controversy after VAR Check!

France are up against Senegal in their World Cup 2026 opener on Tuesday (June 16), and Les Bleus are leading by a goal in the 2nd half.

Despite it being a goalless encounter so far, there has been no shortage of action, and a particular moment will be among the talking points, involving a penalty decision.

In the 2nd half, Kylian Mbappe was sent through on the right hand side, and Sadio Mane came in sliding to challenge the French striker in the box. Mbappe went down inside the box and the referee didn't give a penalty.

The VAR had a look into the matter and the replay clearly showed that Mane missed the ball and challenged Mbappe, but the referee deemed it a goalkick even after seeing the replay after VAR check.

Why was Kylian Mbappe's Penalty Not Given?

The referee said that the striker initiated the move and gave it a goal kick in Senegal's favour, but to be fair, there was no such wrongdoing from Mbappe. Sadio Mane's challenge was reckless and the Senegal star got away with the decision, as probably France should have got a penalty.

But minutes later, Mbappe scored for France to give them the lead. The French striker scored his 57th goal for France, thus becoming the joint all-time highest scorer with Olivier Giroud for the two-time World Champions.