France Defeats Senegal 3-1, Mbappe Scores Twice

France, aiming to reclaim the title for the first time in eight years at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, has made a strong start by defeating Senegal in its opening match.

France beat Senegal 3-1 in the Group I opener of the North American World Cup, held at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.

Captain Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, bringing his total to 57 and 58 in international matches and 13 and 14 in World Cup history.

With these goals, Mbappe surpassed both the record for the most goals scored for the French national team, previously held by Olivier Giroud (57 goals), and the record for the most World Cup goals by a French player, set by Just Fontaine (13 goals).

He also moved within two goals of the all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, held by Miroslav Klose of Germany.

France, which faced Senegal on the World Cup stage for the first time in 24 years since a shocking 1-0 loss in the opening match of the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, broke the deadlock in the 21st minute of the second half with a goal from Mbappe.

Olise delivered a precise through ball, which Mbappe converted with a first-time shot to open the scoring.

Buoyed by Mbappe's goal, France extended its lead in the 37th minute of the second half with an additional goal from Barcola.

When France conceded a goal to Senegal's Ndiaye during second-half stoppage time and found itself under pressure, Mbappe stepped up as the finisher once again.

Just one minute after conceding, he fired a spectacular long-range right-footed shot to seal the victory.

France, the winner of the 2018 Russia World Cup, defeated Senegal 3-1, effectively avenging the defeat from 24 years ago.

France will play its second match against Iraq on June 23.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.