Mbappé's double seals France's 3-1 World Cup win over Senegal as he claims scoring record
Kylian Mbappé struck twice in the second half to power France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening Group I match, becoming the nation's all-time leading goalscorer.
Slow start for France
Senegal dominated the first half, with Nicholas Jackson rattling the crossbar in the 25th minute and Ismaïla Sarr missing a clear chance just before the interval. France created virtually nothing, managing a single shot and an expected-goals figure of 0.02, the lowest recorded in a World Cup first half by Les Bleus since Opta began tracking in 1966.
- France
- 0.02 xG
- Senegal
- 0.47 xG
Second-half turnaround
After the restart, France seized control, with Edouard Mendy forced into saves from Michael Olise and Mbappé. A penalty appeal for a challenge by Sadio Mané on Mbappé was reviewed by VAR but not given.
Clinical finishing
Olise unlocked the Senegal defense with a threaded pass that Mbappé calmly slotted home in the 66th minute. Substitute Bradley Barcola added a second in the 82nd, lifting the ball over Mendy after a pass from Adrien Rabiot.
Late drama and record
Senegal pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Ibrahima Mbaye, but Mbappé responded seconds later with a powerful finish to complete his brace. The two goals took his international tally to 57 or 58, depending on the source, tying or surpassing Olivier Giroud as France's all-time top scorer.
