France defeated Senegal 3-1 [1] on Tuesday in their opening match of the World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey [2].
The victory establishes France as an early contender in the tournament and marks a historic individual milestone for forward Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé scored two goals during the match [3]. His opening strike provided the initial momentum for the French side, a move that coach Didier Deschamps said set the tone for the rest of the game [4]. With these goals, Mbappé reached 14 World Cup goals [5], making him the all-time leading scorer for France in the competition.
Deschamps praised the performance of his star forward following the match. "He's extraordinary," Deschamps said [6].
The coach expressed satisfaction with the team's execution and the impact Mbappé had on the result. Deschamps said he was proud of what Mbappé did for France during the contest [7].
The match, held June 16, 2026 [8], saw France maintain control of the pace against Senegal. The 3-1 scoreline reflects a dominant start for the French squad in the U.S.-based tournament [1].
Mbappé's ability to find the net early allowed France to dictate the play—a strategic advantage that Deschamps said was critical to the win. The forward's record-breaking tally of 14 goals [5] further solidifies his role as the focal point of the national team's offense.
“"He's extraordinary."”
Mbappé's ascension to France's all-time World Cup scoring record provides the team with significant psychological momentum. By securing a decisive win in the opening match, France not only improves its standing in the group stage but also confirms that its primary offensive engine is performing at a peak level entering the knockout rounds.
