Mbappé brace powers France past Senegal in World Cup opener

Kylian Mbappé delivered a match-winning performance, scoring two goals to power France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their World Cup campaign opener. The win secured three points for Didier Deschamps' side and gave them early control of Group I.

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The decision by coach Didier Deschamps to move Olise infield from the right wing was crucial in swinging the game in the way of the two-time World Cup winners.

France, considered pre-tournament favorites, found themselves outplayed in the first half. However, a tactical shift by coach Didier Deschamps, moving Michael Olise infield, proved crucial. Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute after receiving a pass from Olise. Substitute Bradley Barcola extended France's lead late in the game.

Senegal managed a consolation goal in stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye. But Mbappé sealed the victory in the 96th minute with a spectacular long-range strike, marking his 99th appearance for France and making him the country's all-time top scorer with 58 goals. This double also moved him past Pele and Lionel Messi on the all-time World Cup goal scorers list.

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Mbappé darted across the penalty area to convert a brilliant Michael Olise pass on 66 minutes to break the deadlock in a contest in which France struggled badly in the first half, but came to life after the break.

The match, played before a large crowd at a packed stadium, served as a reminder of past World Cup upsets, as France, the defending champions in 2002, lost their opening game to Senegal. Senegal, led by Sadio Mané, showed their strength, particularly in the first half where Nicolas Jackson hit the post.

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But Mbappe saved the best for last, as he blasted in from long range in the 96th minute to seal the win, and become France's all-time top scorer with 58 goals.