17/06/2026 07:19 - Deportes
Jugador de fútbol celebrando un gol en un estadio moderno lleno de público, con camiseta azul de Francia, número 10 en la espalda, ambiente nocturno con luces del estadio
Kylian Mbappé emerged as the standout performer in France's opening match at the 2026 World Cup, scoring a brace in the 3-1 win over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 16, 2026. The Group I clash saw the French side require a second-half surge to assert their dominance.
The French forward, currently playing for Real Madrid after his high-profile transfer from PSG, opened the scoring in the 21st minute of the second half with a clinical finish across the goalkeeper following an exceptional assist from Michael Olise. In stoppage time, Mbappé sealed the victory with a stunning long-range strike that nestled into the top corner.
Senegal troubled France in the first half with clear opportunities: Nicolas Jackson struck the post and Ismaila Sarr wasted a clear chance. Manager Didier Deschamps adjusted at halftime, moving Olise centrally, transforming the team's attacking output.
Bradley Barcola, introduced in the second half, scored the second goal following a pass from Adrien Rabiot. Ibrahim Mbaye's late goal added tension, but Mbappé sealed the win with his second of the match.
With this brace, Mbappé reached 14 World Cup goals, moving into third place on the all-time scorers list, surpassing Pelé (12) and closing in on Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose, who share the record with 16 goals.
| Rank | Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 16 |
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 16 |
| 3 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 14 |
| 4 | Ronaldo | Brazil | 15 |
| 5 | Gerd Müller | Germany | 14 |
Mbappé also became France's all-time leading World Cup scorer, surpassing Olivier Giroud. At just 27 years old, the forward has ample opportunity to add to his tally in this tournament and future editions.
With this victory, France leads Group I with 3 points and a +2 goal difference. Senegal sits with zero points but remains in contention. The group also features Spain and Cape Verde, who drew their opening match. The next round pits France against Spain, while Senegal faces Cape Verde.
Information confirmed by TyC Sports and supplemented with data from Diario Olé.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
