Kylian Mbappe etched his name into French football history on Tuesday night, scoring twice as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their opening Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Real Madrid forward became France’s all-time leading goalscorer after taking his international tally to 58 goals, surpassing former record holder Olivier Giroud, who finished his career with 57 goals for Les Bleus.
After a goalless first half in which Senegal created the better chances, France eventually found their rhythm after the break. Mbappe opened the scoring in the 66th minute, firing a low shot beyond Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy following an assist from Michael Olise.
Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage in the 82nd minute, calmly finishing after being set up by Adrien Rabiot as Didier Deschamps’ side took control of the contest.
Senegal, however, refused to surrender. Teenage forward Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back deep into stoppage time with a powerful strike, becoming the youngest African player ever to score at a FIFA World Cup.
Any hopes of a dramatic Senegal comeback were quickly extinguished when Mbappe produced a moment of brilliance in the sixth minute of added time, unleashing a stunning long-range effort to seal the victory and his place in French football history.
The match had looked set to go a different way during the opening period. Senegal threatened repeatedly, with Nicolas Jackson striking the post and Ismaila Sarr missing a golden opportunity from close range just before halftime.
France also felt aggrieved after Mbappe was denied a penalty in the second half following a challenge from Sadio Mane.
Referee Alireza Faghani reviewed the incident following a VAR recommendation but ruled that Mbappe had initiated the contact.
The decision ultimately proved inconsequential as France stepped up their performance after the restart. Mbappe and Olise both tested Mendy before the breakthrough finally arrived.
Mbappe’s latest brace also took his World Cup tally to 14 goals, drawing level with German legend Gerd Muller and leaving him just two goals behind the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, Miroslav Klose.
The victory gives France a winning start to their World Cup campaign, while Senegal will take encouragement from a spirited display despite the defeat.
France will next face Iraq in Philadelphia, while Senegal take on Norway in their second Group I fixture.
