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Senegal suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat against France in their World Cup opener, hanging right with the European powerhouse in the first half before letting up three goals after the break.
One reason for Senegal to remain hopeful going forward is the performance of 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, who scored the squad's lone goal as a substitute against France.
Mbaye gives Senegal another piece to be excited about long-term, but he already looks ready to contribute on the world stage.
Here's a look at where Mbaye now ranks among the youngest players to score in the World Cup after his goal against France.
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Youngest players to score in the World Cup
Mbaye is the fourth-youngest player to score a World Cup goal, according to FIFA, and he is one of eight players to score a goal while under 19 years old.
| Player | Age | Country | Year |
| Pele | 17 years, 239 days | Brazil | 1958 |
| Manuel Rosas | 18 years, 93 days | Mexico | 1930 |
| Gavi | 18 years, 110 days | Spain | 2022 |
| Ibrahim Mbaye | 18 years, 143 days | Senegal | 2026 |
| Michael Owen | 18 years, 190 days | England | 1998 |
| Nicolae Kovacs | 18 years, 197 days | Romania | 1930 |
| Dmitri Sychev | 18 years, 231 days | Russia | 2002 |
| Lionel Messi | 18 years, 357 days | Argentina | 2006 |
| Julian Green | 19 years, 25 days | United States | 2014 |
| Divock Origi | 19 years, 65 days | Belgium | 2014 |
At 18 years and 143 days old, Mbaye becomes the youngest player from an African team to score in the World Cup and the second-youngest in the last 50 years to score on this stage.
The Senegal standout now has four career international goals, with two coming in friendlies and the other coming in the Africa Cup of Nations.
MORE: Where Kylian Mbappe ranks among all-time World Cup goal leaders
Ibrahim Mbaye goal against France
Here's a look at Mbaye's brilliant goal to pull Senegal back within one of France late in Tuesday's match:
What a goal for Senegal to pull one back against France in stoppage time! 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/ahZnPKSlNv
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 16, 2026Where is Ibrahim Mbaye from?
Mbaye was born in France and spent his youth career playing internationally for France's U16-20 teams. The 18-year-old also currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France.
While Mbaye would have liked the win, a goal against his home country certainly had to feel good in his World Cup debut. Here's a look at how Mbaye joined Senegal's national team.
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Why does Ibrahim Mbaye play for Senegal?
Mbaye joined Senegal's national team in November 2025, despite the young standout rising through the ranks while playing in his home country of France.
Senegal "made major efforts" to convince Mbaye, according to Foot Africa. Mbaye is eligible to play for Senegal through his family heritage and had a clearer path to a larger role at this stage of his career than he would have with France.
Mbaye's decision seems to be a major benefit to Senegal for now, though France was able to secure a victory in their meeting on Tuesday.
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