The World Cup has a habit of producing defining moments, and Kylian Mbappé delivered another one on football’s biggest stage. With a breathtaking double against Senegal, the France captain became his country’s all-time leading scorer and climbed further up the World Cup scoring charts as Les Bleus opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory in New Jersey.
For long periods, however, this was far from a comfortable night for the 2018 world champions. Senegal matched France stride for stride and, at times, looked the more dangerous side in front of a lively crowd at New Jersey Stadium.
The Lions of Teranga nearly stunned their illustrious opponents midway through the first half. Nicolas Jackson drove a fierce effort against the base of the post, and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan needed a slice of fortune as the rebound struck him before rolling wide.
Senegal continued to push. Just before the break, Sadio Mané picked out Ismaïla Sarr with a low cross, but the winger could only fire over from close range. It was the sort of chance that often comes back to haunt teams against elite opposition.
France looked sluggish in the opening 45 minutes, but Didier Deschamps’ side emerged after the interval with greater urgency. The game’s turning point arrived just after the hour when Mbappé appeared to be brought down by Mané inside the penalty area.
Despite a VAR review, referee Alireza Faghani stuck with his decision and awarded no penalty. The French supporters were furious, but Mbappé refused to dwell on the controversy.
Six minutes later, he provided the response only great players can produce. Michael Olise split the Senegal defence with a superb pass, and Mbappé raced through before firing beyond Édouard Mendy to score his 57th international goal and draw level with Olivier Giroud.
The goal shifted the momentum completely. Senegal struggled to regain their earlier rhythm, while France began to play with confidence and control.
Substitute Bradley Barcola then doubled the advantage. Found by a clever pass, the Paris Saint-Germain forward calmly lifted the ball over Mendy to put Les Bleus firmly in command.
Yet Senegal refused to surrender. Teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, already being tipped by some as the next Mbappé, finished smartly from a tight angle to reduce the deficit and briefly spark hopes of a comeback.
Those hopes lasted little more than a minute.
Deep into stoppage time, Mbappé collected possession nearly 30 yards from goal. He surged forward before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner, a goal worthy of the occasion and perhaps the tournament’s finest effort so far.
The strike carried historic significance. It moved the Real Madrid star onto 58 goals for France, clear of Giroud as the nation’s leading scorer. It also lifted him to 14 World Cup goals, drawing level with Gerd Müller and moving him ahead of Lionel Messi, Pelé and Just Fontaine in the competition’s all-time rankings.
France leave their opener with three points and a statement victory. Senegal leave with regrets, but also evidence that they can compete with the world’s best.
As for Mbappé, he continues to redefine greatness. The records keep falling, and at just 27, it feels as though he is only getting started.
