Mbappe Sets New France Goal Record in 3-1 FIFA World Cup Victory Over Senegal
A historic second half brace from Kylian Mbappe powered two-time champions France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their Group I opener in New Jersey on Wednesday.
With his 14th goal in World Cups and 58th in international football, Mbappe is now the highest scorer for his country on both counts.
After a sluggish and goalless first half where Senegal's Nicolas Jackson hit the post and Ismaila Sarr blazed a shot over the crossbar from six yards, France oushed up a gear in the second half.
France thought they were denied a penalty even after VAR check when Mbappe went down under a challenge from Sadio Mane just at the hour mark.
But they took it in their stride as Michael Olise's delivered a signature disguised pass for an intelligent run from Mbappe unlocked the Senegalese defence six minutes later.
The Real Madrid star swivelled his hips and guided the ball past Senegal keepr Edouard Mendy, who had made two one-one-one saves earlier in the second half.
Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute, three minutes after coming on into the field, latched onto a perfectly weighted through-ball from Adrien Rabiot and delicately chipping over Mendy.
Senegal though they had stoppage-time exchange saw Senegal pull one back through promising teenage Ibrahim Mbaye's booming shot, only for Mbappe to immediately seal the win with a spectacular long-range effort.
You voted Michael Olise Superior Player of the Match! ✨
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2026
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Player of the Match :Michael Olise (France)
"I play to make my mark on my country’s history, to ensure my team reaches the final and wins the World Cup. The rest will simply be part of who I am and my career."
Kylian Mbappe, France captain, on becoming Les Bleus' record goalscorer
