EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Kylian Mbappé delivered another World Cup masterclass, scoring twice as France overcame a sluggish start to defeat Senegal 3-1 in its opening match of FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.
After a quiet first half, the France captain took control after the break to guide Les Bleus to victory and launch their bid for a third World Cup title.
Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute when he burst past Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, collected a pass from Michael Olise and calmly slid the ball beyond goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
The Real Madrid forward celebrated with a flute-playing gesture, fulfilling a promise he had made during a television interview before the tournament.
Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage in the 82nd minute, scoring just two minutes after entering the match.
Senegal briefly threatened a comeback when Ibrahim Mbaye pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but Mbappé ended any hopes of a late rally moments later with a stunning strike from long range.
His powerful effort from nearly 30 yards dipped under the crossbar and beyond Mendy to seal the victory in spectacular fashion.
The brace saw Mbappé become France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud’s previous record of 57.
He also moved level with some of the greatest goalscorers in World Cup history, continuing his climb toward Miroslav Klose’s tournament record of 16 goals.
France struggled to find rhythm in the opening half and was fortunate not to fall behind when Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson struck the post midway through the period.
However, Didier Deschamps’ side dominated after the interval, outshooting Senegal 10-1 in the second half and eventually turning its superiority into goals.
The result gives France an ideal start in Group I as it seeks a third consecutive appearance in the World Cup final.
Les Bleus will face Iraq next in Philadelphia before concluding the group stage against Norway, while Senegal takes on Norway in its second match.
Source: Saudi Gazette