Tech
Jun 18, 20261
69%
Kylian Mbappe breaks France goal record with double in World Cup win over Senegal
Kylian Mbappe scored twice to become France's all-time leading goalscorer with 58 goals as Les Bleus beat Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup opener in New Jersey. Senegal dominated the first half but failed to capitalise, and France's second-half performance proved decisive.
Quick Facts
Who
Kylian Mbappe
What
France beat Senegal 3-1
When
2026-06-18
Where
New Jersey
- France beat Senegal 3-1
- Mbappe became France's all-time leading goalscorer
- Mbappe scored twice
- Mbappe surpassed Olivier Giroud's record
- France started World Cup with a win
Kylian Mbappe became France's all-time leading goalscorer with a magnificent double as Les Bleus defeated Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup opener in New Jersey. The Real Madrid forward's second strike, a stunning long-range effort deep into stoppage time, took his international tally to 58 goals, surpassing the previous record held by Olivier Giroud.
Bradley Barcola had earlier extended France's lead to 2-0 before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal, but Mbappe's second goal of the match ended any hopes of a comeback. The result secures all three points for the reigning champions in Group A.
Senegal had dominated the first half and came close to taking the lead when Nicolas Jackson hit the post, the ball rebounding off goalkeeper Mike Maignan and trickling wide. Ismaila Sarr also missed a golden opportunity just before half-time, failing to convert Sadio Mane's cross from close range.
France emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and were controversially denied a penalty when Mane appeared to catch Mbappe inside the box. Referee Alireza Faghani initially awarded a corner, then reviewed the incident on his monitor but decided Mbappe had initiated the contact.
France manager Didier Deschamps praised his captain after the match: "People will still criticise him. He can from time to time miss a game or two but on one action he really is able to tip the scales and bring his team to victory. He does a lot for the group as a captain. I am happy for him."
Why This Matters
This win marks a historic milestone: Kylian Mbappe becomes France's all-time top scorer at just 25, underscoring his trajectory to challenge the greatest in football history. For readers, it signals France's strength as defending champions and provides a key data point for World Cup tournament predictions and player legacy discussions.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireFirst half: Senegal dominate but fail to score; Jackson hits post, Sarr misses chance
Jun 18, 2026
WireSecond half: Mbappe scores opener for France
Jun 18, 2026
WireBarcola makes it 2-0
Jun 18, 2026
WireMbaye pulls one back for Senegal
Jun 18, 2026
WireMbappe scores second goal in stoppage time to seal 3-1 win and become France's all-time top scorer