Kylian Mbappé etched his name deeper into football history with a brace that powered France national football team to a 3–1 victory over Senegal national football team in their opening Group I clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The France captain endured a tightly contested encounter before delivering when it mattered most, breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute after latching onto a precise pass from Michael Olise and finishing low beyond Édouard Mendy. His second—an emphatic stoppage-time strike into the top corner—sealed the win and saw him surpass Olivier Giroud’s long-standing record of 57 international goals, moving to 58.
Senegal began brightly and showed impressive organisation throughout the first half, coming close through Nicolas Jackson, who struck the post. Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr also tested the French back line with sustained attacking pressure that kept Didier Deschamps’ side cautious.
France, despite dominating possession, struggled to carve out clear openings early on. Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué all attempted to unlock the Senegal defence but were repeatedly denied by disciplined defending and sharp goalkeeping.
The breakthrough shifted momentum, and France nearly doubled their lead earlier than they did when a well-timed pass from Adrien Rabiot released Bradley Barcola, who lifted a composed finish over Mendy in the 82nd minute to make it 2–0.
Senegal briefly reignited hopes deep into stoppage time when teenager Ibrahim Mbaye calmly slotted home in the 95th minute after a swift attack. However, any chance of a comeback was extinguished almost immediately.
Moments later, Mbappé produced a thunderous long-range effort in the sixth minute of added time, leaving Mendy helpless as France sealed a statement opening victory.
The result gives France a strong start to their World Cup campaign, while Senegal are left to regroup ahead of a crucial second group fixture.
