Mbappe bags brace as France win World Cup opener against Senegal

FootballSports
17 Jun 2026 • 5:21 AM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

DPA, founded in 1949, one of the world’s leading independent news agencies

Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace as France opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Senegal almost broke the deadlock twice in the first half when Nicolas Jackson’s effort smashed off a post and Ismaila Sarr fired over the bar on the cusp of half-time.

However, France took charge after the break, with skipper Mbappe scoring in the 66th minute and substitute Bradley Barcola doubling their lead.

A chaotic stoppage-time period saw Ibrahim Mbaye pull one back for Senegal, but just one minute later Mbappe had the final say with a stunning long-range strike and surpassed Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time goalscorer with 58 goals.

Les Bleus are back in Group I action on Monday against Iraq.