Kylian Mbappé produced a dazzling performance as France opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The French captain scored twice, becoming France’s all-time leading goal scorer while also climbing further up the World Cup’s all-time scoring charts.
France struggled to find their rhythm in the opening half and were fortunate not to fall behind after Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson struck the post in the 25th minute. The African side looked the more dangerous team before the break, while Mbappé had limited involvement and managed only 14 touches in the first 45 minutes.
The match turned in France’s favor shortly after the hour mark when Michael Olise delivered a superb pass to Mbappé, who calmly finished to break the deadlock. Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage in the 79th minute, cleverly lifting the ball over Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Senegal pulled one back through Ibrahim Mbaye, but Mbappé ensured there would be no late drama. Deep into stoppage time, the Real Madrid forward produced a moment of brilliance, dribbling forward before unleashing a stunning long-range strike into the top corner from around 30 yards out.
The double took Mbappé’s tally for France to 58 goals, moving him ahead of Olivier Giroud as the nation’s record scorer. It also brought his World Cup total to 14 goals, level with German legend Gerd Müller and behind only Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
After the match, Mbappé said he was proud to add another chapter to French football history but stressed that his primary focus remains helping France win another World Cup. France will next face Iraq before concluding the group stage against Norway.
