World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappé scored two goals to help France win 3-1 against Senegal
Kylian Mbappé scored two goals to help France win 3-1 against Senegal in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a difficult first half, the French team, the 2022 World Cup runner-up, found its form in the second half with two goals from superstar Kylian Mbappé, defeating Senegal 3-1 on a sunny afternoon in New Jersey. In a packed stadium largely filled with French fans, Les Bleus made a slow start to the first half, creating just one shot despite having the majority of possession. France had only 0.02 expected goals compared to Senegal's 0.47, and Senegal had the best chances in the first half, when striker Nicolas Jackson hit the post in the 25th minute and another shot went over the bar in the final minute of the half. France coach Didier Deschamps admitted this in the post-match press conference, saying he was disappointed with the team's performance in the first half even though Senegal is a strong team. "I'm very straightforward with the players," Deschamps said. "I didn't shout loudly — I've matured over time — but I made it clear to my players." France showed a completely different side in the second half, controlling the ball and creating many scoring opportunities, including a VAR situation checking for a possible penalty when Mbappé was fouled in the box in the 59th minute. However, no penalty was awarded. Just a few minutes later, Mbappé scored the opening goal in the 66th minute, following a wonderful pass from Michael Olise, beating Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. France continued to control the match and doubled their lead in the 82nd minute when Adrien Rabiot played a perfect pass to substitute Bradley Barcola, who calmly poked the ball past Mendy. Senegal pulled one back in stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye, who scored a fine solo effort to give the Teranga Lions hope. But France responded almost immediately. Mbappé received the ball outside the penalty area and made a beautiful long-range shot into the top left corner, sealing a 3-1 victory and surpassing Lionel Messi in the list of top scorers in World Cup history. "He is an iconic player," Deschamps said of Mbappé. "In one moment, he really had the ability to change the situation and bring victory to the team. People say he doesn't defend, but he didn't come here to defend. Even though the outside may think he's selfish – that's your opinion. I'm happy about that. He told me he wanted to break the record in a real match." France will next face Iraq in a Group I match on Monday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at 5pm ET. Senegal will face Norway at 8 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium, also on Monday.
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