France Defeats Senegal 3-1 in World Cup Opener as Mbappé Becomes All-Time Top Scorer

France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their 2026 World Cup opening match, with captain Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to surpass Michel Platini as the all-time leading goalscorer for the French national team, according to the Associated Press. The victory marks France’s first World Cup win since 1998, while Mbappé’s 58th international goal cements his legacy as one of the tournament’s most prolific strikers.

France’s Opening Win and Mbappé’s Record

The match, held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw Mbappé open the scoring in the 23rd minute before Senegal’s Sadio Mané equalized in the 62nd. Mbappé restored France’s lead in the 78th minute, securing his 58th goal for the national team. The win aligns with France’s status as a pre-tournament favorite, though their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, particularly in the first half.

“This is a huge step forward for the team,” said French midfielder N’Golo Kanté, quoted by FIFA. “Mbappé’s performance today shows why he’s the best in the world.”

Other World Cup Results and Player Updates

Elsewhere in Group I, Norway secured a 4-1 victory over Iraq, while Argentina triumphed 3-0 against Algeria thanks to Lionel Messi’s hat-trick. Brazilian star Neymar resumed training with the squad, signaling his readiness for the tournament, according to Brasil247.

The Berlin Tennis Tournament also made headlines by trialing a three-court layout, a move aimed at enhancing fan engagement, as reported by Tennis Magazine.

What’s Next for France and the World Cup?

France faces a crucial Group I clash against Argentina on June 21, a match that could determine the group’s progression. Mbappé’s form will be pivotal, as his 58 goals for France include 13 in World Cup qualifiers alone, according to UEFA. Meanwhile, Senegal’s manager, Aliou Cissé, acknowledged the defeat but emphasized his team’s resilience, stating, “We’ll regroup and fight for the next game,” per Africa Cup of Nations.