Kylian Mbappé struck twice as France overcame a determined Senegal side 3-1 in their opening Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New Jersey.

Despite being second best for long spells and surviving several scares, Didier Deschamps’ side made the most of their chances to secure all three points.

Senegal made an aggressive start and almost capitalised inside the opening minute, with Théo Hernandez forced to intervene as Ismaila Sarr threatened at the far post. While Mbappé’s early touches were met with loud cheers, the France captain endured a frustrating first half as heavy touches and a well-organised Senegal defence kept him quiet.

France finally broke through in the 66th minute as Mbappé finished inside the box to put Les Bleus ahead.

France made the visitors pay further when substitute Bradley Barcola marked his arrival with a composed finish to double the advantage in the 82nd minute. Senegal pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Mbaye’s stunning curling effort, briefly raising hopes of a comeback but those hopes were extinguished almost immediately when Mbappé struck again to restore France’s two-goal cushion.

Mbappé’s double saw him become the leading goal-scorer for Les Bleus with 58 goals, overtaking former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud. He also now has more World Cup goals than Lionel Messi, with 14.

The final whistle brought an end to a contest that was far more competitive than the scoreline suggested, as Senegal created enough chances to trouble France throughout.