Kylian Mbappé has become France’s all-time leading goalscorer after netting twice in Les Bleus’ 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The French captain entered the game level with Olivier Giroud at the top of the nation’s scoring charts and left it as the outright record holder, delivering a stellar performance on football’s biggest stage to guide Didier Deschamps’ side to all three points.
Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was finally beaten after the break when Michael Olise slipped a pass through to Mbappé, who calmly finished to break the deadlock and draw level with Giroud’s long-standing record.
Les Bleus looked increasingly comfortable after taking the lead and doubled their advantage late on through substitute Bradley Barcola.
Senegal refused to go down without a fight, however, and set up a tense finale when Ibrahim Mbaye fired past Mike Maignan to reduce the deficit and briefly revive his side’s hopes.
But Mbappé ensured there would be no dramatic comeback. The 27-year-old unleashed a long-range effort to restore France’s two-goal cushion, scoring his second of the night and his 58th international goal to move clear as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The strike also took his FIFA World Cup tally to 14 goals.
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Story by Samuel Annang | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
