16/06/2026 22:57 - Deportes
Jugador de fútbol francés celebrando un gol en estadio moderno repleto de aficionados con banderas tricolores, marcador digital mostrando victoria 3-1
France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their Group I opener at the 2026 World Cup, played in New Jersey. Kylian Mbappé was the star of the match with a brace that allowed him to break multiple historical records, while Barcola completed the French victory.
| Rank | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Miroslav Klose (Germany) | 16 |
| 2nd | Ronaldo (Brazil) | 15 |
| 3rd | Kylian Mbappé (France) | 13 |
| 4th | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 12 |
| 5th | Just Fontaine (France) | 13* |
*Fontaine scored 13 goals in a single World Cup tournament (1958)
He surpassed Olivier Giroud as France's all-time leading scorer in World Cup tournaments. Giroud, who retired from international football, had held the record with his consistent performances across multiple tournaments.
With 13 World Cup goals, Mbappé overtook Lionel Messi (12 goals) in the all-time scoring table. Messi, the Argentine legend who led his country to victory in the 2022 World Cup, had been ahead of the French star.
Mbappé now sits just 3 goals away from the absolute World Cup record held by German striker Miroslav Klose (16 goals), set across four tournaments from 2002 to 2014.
"There are people who say he doesn't defend, but that's not what he's there for. He is the best, and yet there are still people who criticize him."
Didier Deschamps has been France's coach since 2012, leading the team to World Cup victory in 2018 and the final in 2022. He is the only person to have won the World Cup as both a player (1998) and a manager (2018).
Who is Kylian Mbappé? At just 27 years old (born December 1998), Mbappé is already considered one of the greatest footballers of his generation. He rose to international stardom at the 2018 World Cup, where he became only the second teenager (after Pelé) to score in a World Cup final. He currently plays for Real Madrid after a highly successful career at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
What makes this significant? The World Cup all-time scoring record has long been considered one of football's most prestigious achievements. Miroslav Klose set the current mark of 16 goals across four tournaments (2002-2014), breaking the previous record held by Brazilian legend Ronaldo (15 goals). Mbappé achieving 13 goals at age 27 means he potentially has multiple World Cups ahead to break the record.
About the opponent: Senegal, known as the "Lions of Teranga," won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 and has become one of Africa's strongest national teams. Their 2002 World Cup run, where they defeated defending champions France in the opening match, remains one of the tournament's most memorable upsets.
France, runners-up in the previous edition (2022), began their journey in the 2026 World Cup with a convincing victory that positions them as one of the tournament favorites. The French squad demonstrated their full offensive potential and made clear why they are considered one of the most dangerous teams in the competition.
What's Next: France will continue their group stage campaign aiming to secure qualification to the Round of 16 (the knockout phase that begins after the group matches).
Alfredo S. Quiroga
