France 3-1 Senegal – World Cup 2026 result as Kylian Mbappe becomes Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer and Bradley Barcola also on target

Kylian Mbappe struck a brace to become France’s all-time leading goalscorer as Les Bleus kicked off their quest for a third World Cup title with a 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey.

The Real Madrid striker was at the heart of a stunning second-half performance as he opened the scoring with a 66th minute effort that saw him polish off Michael Olise’s majestic pass.

Substitute Bradley Barcola added a second with a delicious dink eight minutes from time before Senegal pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye.

Mbappe then saved the best until last with his second from long range that saw him surpass Olivier Giroud with his 58th goal for his country.

Twenty-four years on from marking their debut at the tournament with a shock 1-0 win over holders France, there was more than a sense of deja vu at first as Senegal dominated the first half.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was unfortunate to see a low shot come back off the near post, while Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr somehow side-footed over the crossbar from seven yards just seconds before the interval.

They would prove to be costly misses as France moved through the gears in the second half to underline their status as favourites for the trophy.

Next up in Group I, France meet Iraq at 22:00 UK time on Monday, June 22 while Senegal take on Norway at 01:00 UK time on Tuesday, June 23.

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"A much, much better second half," the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker told the BBC.

"Congrats Kylian you made it. I'm really happy for him. He had a good second half, better connection with Olise. He showed the team the way."

You wouldn't bet against it.

France 3-1 Senegal

And breathe!

What a second half and what a finale!

It turned into the Mbappe show in the second half as he underlined his greatness with a brace to make history for his country.

Kylian Mbappé has surpassed Olivier Giroud (57) as the all-time leading scorer for the French national team, as well as Just Fontaine (13) as the top French goalscorer in the World Cup.

That will seal the points!

Mbappe hammers home a spectacular long-range strike to see him stand-alone as France's all-time leading scorer.

Hold the phone!

Maybe they do have belief, or is it too late?

Ibrahim Mbaye does it all himself as he dances into the right side of the box and fires a shot through Maignan.

There has been a wealth of time added, but that second goal deflated the Teranga Lions and they are probably already thinking about their next match in Group I.

Eight minutes added.

Pathé Ciss on, Idrissa Gueye off.

Doue off, Cherki on.

Iliman Ndiaye and Dieng on.

Pape Gueye and Jackson off.

Les Bleus at the double!

The substitute makes a lovely run from left to middle to latch onto a through ball from Adrien Rabiot and drink a sublime finish over the 'keeper.

Barcola on, Dembele off.

Jackson is flagged offside as he flicks a difficult volley over the top following a devilish cross from the left.

It was tight, so it would have been checked had he found the net.

Camara and Sarr off.

Mbaye and Diarra on.

Doue dances into space on the left side of the area and forces another smart save out of the now over-worked Mendy.