It wasn't the ideal start for France against Senegal.
The two-time World Cup champions looked flat, struggling to win midfield duels and create chances. France was lucky not to be trailing at halftime, as Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr missed golden chances for Senegal.
In the second half, though, France proved why they're a favorite to win the World Cup: Kylian Mbappé scored twice, and Bradley Barcola notched his first-ever World Cup goal in a 3-1 win over Senegal Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
With his brace against Senegal, Mbappé became the joint-third highest World Cup goalscorer with 14 goals, level with Gerd Müller. He only trails the all-time leaders (16) — Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi — and Ronaldo (15).
Mbappé is also now France's all-time leading scorer with 58 career goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud's previous best tally of 57.
"I'm really happy to make more history for my country," Mbappé said after the win over Senegal.
"It's always something I've wanted to do. I think I'll have time to think about that stuff later when I stop playing. Right now, I know why I'm here; I'm here to help my team and with my teammates, and we're going to keep trying to write a great chapter in the history of the French national team."
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It was an uncharacteristic first half from Mbappé, who was left isolated up top. But he looked more like himself after the break, forcing Senegal's Edouard Mendy into a great save in the 57th minute, and drawing what looked like a clear penalty that was ultimately waved off by referee Alireza Faghani after a VAR check in the 60th minute.
Mbappé made the most of his next chance, though, connecting on a perfectly-hit pass from Michael Olise that he slotted far-post to give France the lead.
MAGIC MBAPPÉ 🇫🇷
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 16, 2026
He scores his first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for France pic.twitter.com/HcLPFkkp4X
"Playing with Michael is very easy," Mbappé said of Olise. "He's a player who always keeps his head up. You always have to try to give him an option because he always wants to play forward to set up his teammates. I knew he'd spot me every time I made a move, even if the ball didn't reach me sometimes."
Senegal got a goal back late in stoppage time, but Mbappé fully put the game to bed a minute later with an excellent strike from long range — the goal that made him France's leading scorer.
Absolute GOLAZO from Mbappé! 🇫🇷
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 16, 2026
Kylian Mbappé is now France's ALL-TIME leading goalscorer pic.twitter.com/5phfectcIY
"People will still criticize him," said France head coach Didier Deschamps. "He's an iconic player, I've always said that. He will miss a game or two, but he can really tip a game and bring his team to victory. People will say he won't defend. He's not here to defend, but he can defend. In this stadium, he's got a global aura due to his decisive talent."
It seems certain that Mbappé will eventually become the all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, but he'll have to beat Messi first, who just scored a hat trick against Algeria to tie Klose for the record.
"I think he has everything to beat the record and I hope he's going to do it this tournament," said defender William Saliba. "I think what he's doing is incredible and I'm sure he's not going to stop there."
