Mbappé breaks scoring record as France beat Senegal in World Cup opener

Kylian Mbappé etched his name in French football history by becoming the nation's all-time leading goal scorer, netting a brace in France's World Cup opening match against Senegal in New Jersey. His decisive goals secured a 3-1 victory for Les Bleus.

Mbappé broke Senegal's resistance in the second half with a precise low strike. He then sealed the win deep into stoppage time with a sensational long-range effort, bringing his international tally to 58 goals, one clear of former record holder Olivier Giroud. Bradley Barcola had initially put France ahead, and although Ibrahim Mbaye managed to pull one back for Senegal, Mbappé's second goal extinguished any hopes of a comeback.

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Kylian Mbappe became France’s all-time leading goal scorer with a superb double as Les Bleus beat Senegal in their World Cup opener in New Jersey.

France's performance prior to Mbappé's opener was described as underwhelming, with Senegal creating better chances and dominating the first half. Nicolas Jackson came close to scoring for Senegal, hitting the post, and Ismaila Sarr missed a close-range opportunity just before halftime.

In the second half, France showed renewed purpose. A controversial moment occurred when Mbappé appeared to be fouled inside the box, but the referee, after VAR review, decided against awarding a penalty, ruling that Mbappé had initiated the contact. Despite the contentious decision, France and Mbappé ultimately secured the three points.

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The Real Madrid forward’s second strike lifted him on to 58 goals for Les Bleus, one clear of former record holder Olivier Giroud.