Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France powered past Senegal in the opening game of Group I.
France 3-1 Senegal
France goals: Mbappe (66, 90+6), Barcola (82) Senegal goal: Ibrahim Mbaye (90+5)
Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant brace to become France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 goals as Les Bleus got their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign up and running with a thrilling victory over Senegal.
The France captain’s double ensured there would be no repeat of his country’s loss to the West Africans in 2002 – Les Bleus’ only opening-game defeat in their previous eight global tournaments – to cap a much-improved second half from the two-time winners.
And yet it was Pape Thiaw’s team who carried the initial threat in New York New Jersey. The ball wouldn’t go in for Nicolas Jackson after his shot beat Mike Maignan, deflecting unfavourably off both post and goalkeeper. Then, when it did go in, Jackson was offside. Ismaila Sarr also sent a good chance over.
However, Desire Doue’s warning shot after half-time heralded the French charge. Michael Olise and Mbappe forced excellent saves from Edouard Mendy. Then Olise’s clever pass set up Mbappe to fire past Mendy and equal Olivier Giroud’s record 57 strikes for France.
Mbappe then entered the history books with a brilliant shot from outside the box after substitute Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye had traded impressive late goals of their own.
The next target for Mbappe is Miroslav Klose’s record 16 World Cup finals goals. The Frenchman currently has 14 in the global showpiece.
Key stat
This was Didier Deschamps’ 20th World Cup match as head coach, drawing him level with Bora Milutinovic, Oscar Tabarez and Mario Zagallo. Only three coaches have managed more games in the tournament.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Michael Olise (France)