Which France and World Cup records did Mbappe break against Senegal? | World Cup 2026 News
Kylian Mbappé Sets Records in France’s World Cup Victory Over Senegal
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Kylian Mbappé solidified his place among football’s elite by scoring two goals in France’s 3-1 win against Senegal in their opening match of the World Cup on June 16, 2026. The 27-year-old forward became France’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Olivier Giroud with a total of 58 goals.
In a notable moment during the match, Giroud, who served as a commentator, congratulated Mbappé live on air following his second goal in the 96th minute.
With this performance, Mbappé also became France’s top scorer in World Cup history, notching his 14th goal and breaking the previous record of 13 established by Just Fontaine in 1958.
Mbappé is now just two goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals. He ranks third on the World Cup scoring list, behind Brazil’s Ronaldo, who has 15 goals, and holds a slight edge over Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has 13.
Following the match, Mbappé expressed his focus on the team’s journey ahead. “Always important to start with a win. It will be a long road, but we are ready,” he wrote on Instagram, without mentioning his personal achievements.
Mbappé’s first goal against Senegal came in the 66th minute, breaking a stalemate in a game where France struggled initially. Bradley Barcola added France’s second goal, before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in stoppage time. Mbappé then secured the win with a long-range effort.
This victory continues Mbappé’s legacy, having previously helped lead France to a World Cup title in 2018 at just 19 years of age. His scoring prowess has now been evident in three consecutive World Cups, making him the only player to score multiple goals in five different World Cup matches.
Other Records in Mbappé’s Career
Mbappé made history in the 2018 World Cup when he became the youngest French player to score and marked only the second time a teenager has scored in a World Cup final, following Pelé. His remarkable achievements earned him FIFA’s Young Player of the Year award that same year.
Despite Argentina denying France a consecutive title in 2022, Mbappé’s hat trick in the final was only the second in World Cup history, replicating Geoff Hurst’s feat in 1966.
Following the match against Senegal, Mbappé celebrated with friends and family in the stands, reflecting on a successful start to the tournament.
