France opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal on June 17, with Kylian Mbappé once again turning the biggest stage into his own.
After a tense first half, France finally broke through in the 66th minute when Michael Olise found Mbappé inside the box. Bradley Barcola later doubled the lead, before Senegal pulled one back through Ibrahim Mbaye in stoppage time. But Mbappé had the final word, striking from distance in the 96th minute to seal the victory.
Kylian Mbappé Breaks France Record, Climbs World Cup Scoring List
The brace pushed Mbappé to 14 career World Cup goals, moving him past Lionel Messi and Just Fontaine, who both had 13. He is now level with Germany’s Gerd Müller for third on the all-time World Cup scoring list, behind only Brazil’s Ronaldo with 15 and Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16.
Mbappé also reached 58 goals for France, surpassing Olivier Giroud to become the country’s all-time leading scorer.
For France, the result was also a strong reminder of why Les Bleus remain one of the tournament’s leading contenders. After winning the World Cup in 2018 and returning to the final in 2022, where they lost to Argentina in a dramatic title match, France arrived at this year’s tournament with both experience and expectation.
Now, with France once again chasing the title, Mbappé is no longer just adding to his personal records. He is chasing a second World Cup crown and closing in on the all-time scoring mark.
“I play to make history with my country and help my team win the World Cup,” Mbappé said after the match.
France will next face Iraq on June 23, 5:00 AM (PH Time), with its captain already setting the tone for another deep run.
