French skipper Kylian Mbappe delivered another masterclass on football’s biggest stage, inspiring France to a 3-1 victory over a spirited Senegal side as Les Bleus opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style.
He stole the spotlight at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, netting twice to become France’s highest-ever international goalscorer. In doing so, the Real Madrid superstar surpassed Olivier Giroud’s long-standing record of 57 goals and moved ahead of Lionel Messi among the tournament’s leading active World Cup scorers.
Despite the final scoreline, Senegal made France work for every inch of the contest. The Teranga Lions, eager to recreate the magic of their famous upset over France at the 2002 World Cup, matched the European giants for much of the first half. Led by the experience of Sadio Mane and the pace of Nicolas Jackson, the African side threatened repeatedly and came close to drawing first blood before the interval.
France, however, emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Midfielder Michael Olise became the catalyst for the French attack, dictating the tempo and creating openings. His influence paid off in the 66th minute when Mbappe latched onto a precise pass and calmly slotted home to break the deadlock.
As Senegal pushed forward in search of an equaliser, France struck again. Bradley Barcola finished off another flowing move late in the game, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.
The drama was far from over. Teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye reignited Senegal’s hopes with a stoppage-time goal, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense finish. But Mbappe quickly extinguished any thoughts of a comeback, firing home his second of the evening moments later to seal the win and cap a record-breaking performance.
The victory gives Didier Deschamps’ men an early advantage in Group I and strengthens their credentials as serious contenders for the World Cup crown. For Mbappe, meanwhile, it was another landmark night in an extraordinary career that continues to redefine greatness on the international stage.
