Kylian Mbappé led France to a strong start at the 2026 World Cup, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Senegal in Les Bleus' opening Group 9 match, as the French captain set a new historic record in his country's colours.
Mbappé became France's all-time leading international scorer, taking his tally to 58 goals and surpassing Olivier Giroud's record. He also stands alone as France's top scorer in World Cup history, reaching 14 goals to overtake Just Fontaine's mark of 13.
France entered the match eager for a strong start and determined to avoid a repeat of their infamous defeat to Senegal — a 1-0 loss in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup — the only previous meeting between the two sides at a World Cup before the New Jersey clash.
Didier Deschamps fielded a strong line-up featuring Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, while Senegal relied on their core side led by Sadio Mané.
France struggled in the first half under Senegal's pressure, with Nicolas Jackson coming close to scoring after his effort struck the post in the 25th minute, before Ismaïla Sarr wasted a dangerous opportunity late in the first half following a pass from Mané.
France improved in the second half, with Michael Olise threatening Senegal's goal with a dangerous attempt in the 54th minute that was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who then denied Mbappé another chance 4 minutes later.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 66th minute, capitalising on a superb pass from Olise and slotting the ball into the left corner to register his 57th international goal, equalling Giroud's record at that moment.
Senegal tried to respond quickly, but Jackson's goal was ruled offside in the 68th minute, before the same player squandered another opportunity following a cross from El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Substitute Bradley Barcola added France's second goal in the 82nd minute, less than 2 minutes after coming on, receiving a pass from Adrien Rabiot and lifting the ball over Mendy into the net.
Ibrahima Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in the 95th minute, but Mbappé responded just 1 minute later with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area to score his second goal of the match and France's third, sealing the victory and bringing his international tally to 58 goals.
France collected their first 3 points in Group 9, which also includes Iraq and Norway. Les Bleus are scheduled to face Iraq in the second round, while Senegal take on Norway.