Kylian Mbappe etched his name further into football history by scoring twice in France's 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Real Madrid star's brace not only secured a vital win for Les Bleus but also saw him become France's all-time leading goalscorer.
Record-Breaking Performance
Mbappe's two goals took his international tally to 58, moving him past Olivier Giroud, who had held the record with 57 goals. Additionally, his stoppage-time strike made him France's highest-scoring player in World Cup history with 14 goals, surpassing Just Fontaine's previous record of 13.
According to Squawka, the 27-year-old's achievements came in a match where Senegal pushed France hard for long periods. The Teranga Lions created several chances and hit the post through Nicolas Jackson in the first half, with Ismaila Sarr also missing a golden opportunity just before the break.
Match Overview
France struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, but the second half saw a different story. Bradley Barcola scored between Mbappe's two goals to help secure the win. Mbappe opened the scoring with a low effort, then added a sensational long-range strike from around 30 yards deep into stoppage time.
There was controversy earlier in the match when a penalty appeal involving Sadio Mane was waved away after a VAR review, with referee Alireza Faghani ruling that Mbappe had initiated the contact.
World Cup Legacy
Mbappe's World Cup journey has been remarkable. At Russia 2018, he scored four times as France won the tournament, including a brace against Argentina and a goal in the final against Croatia. In Qatar 2022, he finished as top scorer with eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final against Argentina.
With 14 World Cup goals, Mbappe is now just two behind the all-time record of 16 held by German legend Miroslav Klose. Given his age, form, and importance to the French team, many believe he could break that record before the tournament ends.
What's Next for France?
The victory gives France a strong start in Group I, with the team looking to build momentum as the tournament progresses. Mbappe's record-breaking form will be crucial to their hopes of winning a third World Cup title.
