French captain Kylian Mbappé once again proved why he is one of football’s greatest stars after scoring twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 27-year-old forward stepped up when France needed him most. After a tense first half that ended goalless, Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a composed finish following a brilliant pass from Michael Olise.
Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead before Senegal pulled one back late in the game. Mbappé then sealed the win with a stunning long-range strike in stoppage time.
The brace was historic. Mbappé’s two goals took his tally for France to 58, surpassing former striker Olivier Giroud’s mark of 57 and making him the all-time leading scorer for the French national team.
It was a record many expected him to break one day, but doing so on football’s biggest stage made the achievement even more special.
His second record was equally impressive. With 14 World Cup goals, Mbappé overtook legendary striker Just Fontaine’s tally of 13 to become France’s highest scorer in World Cup history.
Fontaine’s record had stood since the 1958 tournament, making Mbappé’s achievement one of the most significant milestones in French football.
The goals also moved Mbappé into a tie with German great Gerd Müller for third place on the all-time World Cup scoring list. Only Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário, with 15 goals, and Germany’s Miroslav Klose, with a record 16, now stand ahead of him.
France’s victory sent them to the top of Group I and served as a reminder that with Mbappé leading the attack, Les Bleus remain among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup.
If his opening performance is any indication, more history could still be waiting for the French superstar.
