FIFA World Cup 2026: Why wasn’t Kylian Mbappe awarded a penalty during France vs Senegal?

Kylian Mbappe was denied a penalty during the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between France and Senegal in New Jersey on Tuesday.

The French forward was brought down on the right wing in the Senegalese penalty area after a tackle by Sadio Mane in the 60th minute.

However, after a check by the video assistant referee, referee Aireza Faghani did not award a penalty to France, stating: “the contact was initiated by the attacker.”

The decision was not taken well by the French team. Mbappe smiled wryly as head coach Didier Deschamps argued with the fourth official.

Published on June 17, 2026