Mbappé double and all-time record lift France to 3-1 win over Senegal in World Cup opener
Kylian Mbappé scored twice to become France’s all-time top goalscorer as Les Bleus overcame a sluggish first half to beat Senegal 3-1 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup in East Rutherford.
A slow start for France
France’s star‑studded attack failed to register a single shot on goal in the first half. Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Mbappé could not break down Senegal’s well‑organised defence, and the Équipe Tricolore looked far from the title favourites who arrived with the most expensive squad in World Cup history (valued at nearly €1.5 billion).
Senegal threaten early
Senegal, coached by Pape Thiaw, played with the confidence their manager had promised. Nicolas Jackson, the Chelsea forward on loan at Bayern Munich, shook off Dayot Upamecano and smashed a low shot against the post in the 25th minute. Ismaila Sarr then wasted a huge chance in first‑half stoppage time, and Kalidou Koulibaly almost turned a cross into his own net. The underdogs should have led at the break.
Mbappé sparks the turnaround
Didier Deschamps’ side emerged with more intensity after the interval. Desiré Doué fired just wide, and Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denied both Olise and Mbappé in quick succession. A controversial moment arrived when Mbappé tumbled in the box after a challenge from Sadio Mané. Iranian referee Alireza Faghani initially gave no penalty, and a VAR review did not change the decision – a hard call for the French.
Record and celebration
Olise finally unlocked the Senegal defence in the 66th minute, threading a perfect pass for Mbappé to roll the ball past Mendy and open the scoring. The goal was his 57th for France, moving him beyond Olivier Giroud as the nation’s record marksman. Mbappé celebrated by miming a flute, a gesture he had promised British comedian James Corden on his show, recalling childhood music lessons.
Late drama and a second goal
Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute. Senegal refused to fold and substitute Ibrahim Mbaye scored deep into added time to make it 2-1, but any tension was short‑lived: Mbappé responded immediately with a long‑range strike for his 58th international goal and 14th in World Cups.
What it means
The victory revenges the shock 0-1 defeat France suffered at the hands of Senegal in the 2002 World Cup opener and puts Deschamps’ side in a strong position ahead of Monday’s group match against Iraq. Senegal, who had drawn inspiration from their 2002 generation, will need to regroup quickly.
We see the generation from back then as role models.
