FIFA World Cup: Record-breaking Kylian Mbappe helps France beat Senegal
What's the story
France football team superstar Kylian Mbappe entered FIFA World Cup record books. A brace from the Real Madrid forward helped France down Senegal 3-1 in a crucial Group I contest at the New Jersey New York Stadium, East Rutherford. Mbappe became France's all-time top scorer at the World Cup. France gained three valuable points in their tournament opener. Here's more.
WC Goals
Mbappe overcomes Just Fontaine; goes level with Germany's Gerd Muller
Mbappe is the highest scorer for France at the World Cup (14), overcoming Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals. Overall, he is only behind the likes of Germany's Miroslav Klose (16) and Brazil's Ronaldo (15). Mbappe also went level with Germany's Gerd Muller (14). Besides Fontaine, Mbappe also surpassed Lionel Messi's tally of 13 goals for Argentina. Mbappe also went ahead of Pele (12).
Mbappe
Mbappe owns 14 World Cup goals
Before this World Cup, Mbappe played in the 2018 and 2022 editions respectively. He has made 15 appearances, scoring 14 goals. Mbappe scored four goals at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He helped France win their second world title, scoring a goal in the final against Croatia. He was the top scorer in 2022 with eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final.
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Mbappe overcomes Olivier Giroud to become France's overall record scorer
Making his 99th appearance for France across all competitions, Mbappe now owns 58 goals. Notably, he surpassed Olivier Giroud (57) to become France's overall top-scorer. Giroud made 137 appearances for France.
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France 3-1 Senegal: Here are the match stats
From 11 attempts, France managed 8 shots on target. Senegal had 2 shots on target from 6 attempts. In terms of touches in the opposition box, France (19) edged past Senegal (14). France had 53.70% ball possession and completed 505 passes.
Summary
A goalless first half before, penalty drama before Mbappe scores
France and Senegal played out a goalless first half. Senegal struck the woodwork as France failed to clock a single shot on target and managed just one attempt. In the 2nd half, Michael Olise's defence-splitting pass, saw Mbappe open the scoring (66'). It came 8 minutes after he was denied a penalty. VAR sent the referee to the monitor but he adjudged no penalty.
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A superb end to the match
Bradley Barcola made it 2-0 for France from Adrien Rabiot's assist in the 82nd minute. Ibrahim Mbaye's 95th-minute goal handed Senegal a lifeline but a superb effort from Mbappe in the very next minute, helped France win 3-1.
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Mbappe's game by the numbers
As per Squawka, Mbappe had 37 touches versus Senegal and completed 15/16 passes. He also had 7 touches in the opposition box . Mbapped completed six take-ons and clocked 4 shots with all 4 being on target.
Twitter Post
Mbappe reign!
Mbappe takes top spot 👊#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/H9F3yePsxv
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2026