France opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal at New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey (USA), in a match that took place on the morning of June 17th ( Hanoi time).
This wasn't just the first three points for the 2022 World Cup runner-up in Group I. The match also marked a major milestone in the international career of striker Kylian Mbappe, who continues to make the World Cup stage a place to affirm his superstar status.
With two goals against Senegal, captain Mbappe increased his total goals for the national team to 58, surpassing his predecessor Olivier Giroud to become the top scorer in the history of French football.
Not stopping there, Mbappe also increased his total number of World Cup goals to 14. This number puts him ahead of Lionel Messi and Just Fontaine, and equals German legend Gerd Muller in the list of all-time World Cup goalscorers.
Mbappe is now just one goal behind legendary Ronaldo Nazario and two goals short of Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals.
At 27 years old, the French captain has a great opportunity to become the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history if he maintains his current form.
The victory against Senegal also somewhat relieved the pressure on France after a difficult first half. Coach Didier Deschamps' team faced many difficulties from their African opponents, before midfielder Michael Olise helped brighten France's attacking play after the break.
In the 66th minute, Mbappe opened the scoring for France after a pass from midfielder Michael Olise. Just a minute later, Senegal nearly equalized when striker Nicolas Jackson found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside after VAR intervention.
In the 82nd minute, striker Bradley Barcola, who came on as a substitute, scored to extend the European team's lead to 2-0.
Towards the end of the match, Senegal pulled one back thanks to a goal from striker Ibrahim Mbaye in injury time. But just seconds later, Mbappe sealed the victory with a spectacular long-range shot, making it 3-1 for France.
For Senegal, this defeat is all the more regrettable considering they previously caused a historic upset against France at the 2002 World Cup. The rematch after 24 years did not end in a miracle for the African representatives, although they still showed speed, physicality, and boldness at many points.
For the French team, the 3-1 victory was a fitting start. More importantly, they had Mbappe in explosive form right from the first game, a signal that should make the remaining opponents at the 2026 World Cup wary.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/mbappe-lap-ky-luc-phap-dai-thang-senegal-post781843.html
