France 3-1 Senegal: Mbappe Breaks Goals Record as Les Bleus Launch World Cup Campaign in Style

Kylian Mbappe etched his name deeper into French football history on Tuesday night, scoring twice to become France's all-time leading goalscorer as Les Bleus opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Senegal in New Jersey.

The Real Madrid superstar moved to 58 international goals, surpassing former record holder Olivier Giroud, after delivering a match-winning performance in a contest that proved far more difficult than the final scoreline suggested.

France eventually secured all three points thanks to goals from Mbappe and Bradley Barcola, but Senegal were anything but passengers. For long periods, particularly in the first half, the African side looked capable of causing another famous World Cup upset against the two-time champions.

The Lions of Teranga started brightly and created the clearer opportunities before the interval. Nicolas Jackson came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when his low effort struck the base of the post before ricocheting off goalkeeper Mike Maignan and rolling narrowly wide.

Senegal should arguably have taken the lead moments before half-time. Ismaila Sarr connected with a dangerous cross from Sadio Mane but failed to direct his effort on target from close range.

France struggled to find rhythm during a subdued first-half display. Their star-studded attack featuring Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue rarely threatened as Senegal's disciplined defensive shape frustrated the European giants.

The complexion of the match changed after the restart.

France emerged with far greater urgency and intensity. Doue tested the Senegal defence within seconds of the second half, while Mbappe and Olise both forced saves from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The breakthrough eventually arrived when Mbappe fired a low effort beyond Mendy to end Senegal's resistance.

The goal transformed the contest. Senegal briefly thought they had found an equaliser through Jackson, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Barcola then doubled France's advantage with a composed finish to put Les Bleus firmly in control.

Senegal refused to surrender and found a lifeline through 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, whose thunderous finish from a tight angle reduced the deficit and made him the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history.

However, any hopes of a dramatic comeback were extinguished deep into stoppage time when Mbappe unleashed a spectacular long-range strike from approximately 25 yards, sealing victory and securing a historic personal milestone.

The result gives France an ideal start to their World Cup campaign while underlining why Mbappe remains one of the tournament's most decisive players.