BBC apologises after mixing up Saliba and Upamecano in France's World Cup line-up graphic

The BBC issued a public apology after broadcasting an incorrect starting line-up graphic during France’s opening 2026 World Cup match against Senegal on Wednesday, with Arsenal defender William Saliba shown using Dayot Upamecano’s photo and Jules Kounde’s slot filled by an image of Ibrahima Konate. France won the match 3-1, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice.

The error was spotted by viewers before kick-off and quickly spread across social media. “Really @BBCMOTD? It’s embarrassing for the flagship corporation,” wrote one user. Another added: “Oh BBC what are you doing here? Konate isn’t Kounde and Saliba isn’t a twin of Upamecano.” A third posted: “The BBC have put up two photos of Upamecano in showing the French defence. Where’s Saliba’s photo? Embarrassing.” The broadcaster responded with a brief statement: “We apologise for this mistake.”

On the pitch, France were largely dominant against Africa Cup of Nations finalists Senegal. Mbappe opened the scoring before Bradley Barcola extended the lead, with Mbappe adding a second to complete a comfortable victory. Ibrahim Mbaye — a Paris-born PSG forward — pulled one back for Senegal, but it proved little more than a consolation.

The result puts Didier Deschamps’ side in a strong position in Group I, which many have labelled this year’s Group of Death alongside Norway and Iraq. France’s points tally all but secures their progression to the knockout rounds, at minimum as one of the best third-place finishers, though Deschamps will be targeting top spot to secure a more favourable bracket position.

Elsewhere in the group, Norway marked their return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 with a 4-1 demolition of Iraq, setting up what promises to be a competitive three-way battle for the top two automatic qualification spots.