Mbappe Scores Twice to Fire France Past Senegal in FIFA World Cup 2026

France started their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It was their 10th victory in the last 12 international matches, while Kylian Mbappé also became France’s all-time top goalscorer.

Seen by many as strong contenders for the title, France showed their intent early on by keeping Senegal pushed back in their own half for most of the opening spell.

Credit to Pape Thiaw’s team, they held firm and didn’t allow France many clear chances. The only attempt in that period came from Ousmane Dembele, whose effort was blocked, during Didier Deschamps’ 20th World Cup match in charge.

Even though France were controlling the game, Senegal created the first real big chance. A quick counter-attack saw Nicolas Jackson get the better of Dayot Upamecano before his shot hit the post and then went out after brushing Mike Maignan’s leg.

After that early pressure, Senegal took charge of the match for a while and missed a great chance just before half-time. Sadio Mané drove forward down the left and set up Ismaïla Sarr in space, but he fired over the bar from close range, about six yards out.

After a tight first half with no goals, France returned after the break with more attacking intent. Michael Olise burst through Senegal’s defence and forced Edouard Mendy into a save, with the rebound pushed over the bar. Mendy came up big again shortly after to stop Kylian Mbappe, but Mbappe finally got his moment after earlier being denied a penalty. He finished off a clever pass from Olise to level things up and match Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time top scorer.

Afterwards, Senegal thought they had scored the equalizer when Nicolas Jackson smashed the ball into the net, but the assistant referee’s flag ruled it out.

France then eased the pressure when substitute Bradley Barcola made a well-timed run onto Adrien Rabiot’s pass and chipped the ball over Mendy with eight minutes left.

Senegal then finally came up with a goal when Ibrahim Mbaye scored a brilliant solo effort that Maignan couldn’t keep out. But Mbappe struck again from long range, scoring his second and 14th World Cup goal to wrap up a strong victory for France in the ongoing mega event.