World Cup 2026: Mbappe’s Brace Moves Him 2nd All-Time as France Beat Senegal

Mbappe hits 14 WC goals

Kylian Mbappe scored twice and became France’s all-time top scorer as Les Bleus beat Senegal 3-1 at MetLife Stadium. After a shaky first half, France dominated after the break with Barcola adding the third.

France begin World Cup with win over Senegal as Mbappe equals Giroud’s record...

Kylian Mbappe made history with a brilliant brace as France kicked off their World Cup with a 3-1 win over Senegal at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. It was their 10th win in 12 games, and Mbappe moved top of Les Bleus’ all-time scoring list.

Many have tipped France to win the tournament, and they showed why early. They pinned Senegal back in their own half for most of the first 25 minutes.

Pape Thiaw’s Senegal deserve credit for one thing: they didn’t let France get a clear shot. Ousmane Dembele’s blocked effort was all Didier Deschamps’ side could manage in the first 20 minutes of his 20th World Cup game in charge.

For all France’s control, Senegal made the first big chance. A quick counter found Nicolas Jackson, who left Dayot Upamecano for dead. His shot smashed the post and bounced in off Mike Maignan’s leg before going behind.

After France’s fast start, Senegal took over. They missed a huge chance right before halftime. Sadio Mane drove down the left and cut it back to Ismaila Sarr unmarked, but he blazed the volley over from 6 yards.

Whatever Deschamps said in the dressing room worked. France came out flying after the break.

Desire Doue fired the first shot of the half just 2 minutes in, curling a left-footer wide. Then Michael Olise breezed through Senegal’s defence and forced Edouard Mendy to tip his shot over.

Mendy pulled off another great save to deny Mbappe moments later. France were also denied a penalty in a controversial call. But Mbappe wouldn’t be stopped again - he latched onto Olise’s perfect through ball and swept it in to match Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time top scorer.

Mendy stuck out a leg to stop Doue from killing the game late on. France did get a scare when Jackson smashed one into the roof of the net, but the linesman’s flag ended the celebration.

Bradley Barcola calmed French nerves with 8 minutes left. He timed his run perfectly to meet Adrien Rabiot’s pass and dinked it over Mendy.

Ibrahim Mbaye gave Senegal hope with a brilliant solo goal that flew past Maignan. But Mbappe had the final say. He smashed in his 14th World Cup goal from 30 yards, moving to within two of Miroslav Klose’s all-time record and sealing a 3-1 win built on a dominant second half. France sent a clear message: they’re real title contenders.