Mbappé Scores Brace as France Beat Senegal 3–1 in World Cup Opener

Mbappé Scores Brace as France Beat Senegal 3–1 in World Cup Opener

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3–1 victory over Senegal in a Group I clash at the New York–New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday night.

The two-time world champions were tested early but showed their quality in the second half, with Mbappé delivering a decisive performance to secure all three points.

Senegal opened the match strongly and nearly took an early lead when Nicolas Jackson’s effort struck the post. The rebound created danger in the French defence, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan reacting quickly as the ball deflected off him and went out for a corner. Despite this bright start, Senegal were unable to convert their early pressure into a goal.

France gradually settled into the game and improved after the restart, increasing their attacking intensity and controlling possession more effectively. Their breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Michael Olise provided a precise assist that Mbappé finished calmly past Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to give France a 1–0 lead.

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The goal shifted momentum firmly in France’s favour, and they soon added a second. In the 82nd minute, Bradley Barcola converted a perfectly timed through ball from Adrien Rabiot, lifting the ball over Mendy with his first touch to make it 2–0 and put France in full control of the contest.

Senegal, however, refused to give up and pulled one back in the fifth minute of stoppage time through substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, whose clever finish briefly revived hopes of a comeback. But France responded almost immediately, as Mbappé struck again within a minute, unleashing a powerful long-range effort into the roof of the net to seal a 3–1 victory.

The result underlined France’s strength and composure, especially in the closing stages, as they managed the game and punished Senegal’s late push forward. Mbappé’s performance once again highlighted his importance to the French team on the biggest stage.

The brace also took Mbappé’s World Cup goals tally to 14, moving him into third place on the all-time scoring list. He now sits just two goals away from Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals, further cementing his status as one of the most prolific players in World Cup history.

Mbappé Scores Brace as France Beat Senegal 3–1 in World Cup Opener