Mbappé breaks France scoring record as Les Bleus beat Senegal in World Cup opener
Kylian Mbappé became France's all-time leading goalscorer with a brilliant double, including a stunning late strike, as Les Bleus opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal.
Kylian Mbappé made history as France began their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, becoming the country's all-time leading goalscorer in the process.
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The Real Madrid forward scored twice in the second half in New Jersey, taking his international tally to 58 goals and moving past former record-holder Olivier Giroud.
Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites, France struggled to find their rhythm early on.
Senegal created the better chances in the first half, with Nicolas Jackson striking the post and Ismaïla Sarr missing a golden opportunity just before the break.
However, Didier Deschamps' side emerged stronger after half-time and eventually broke the deadlock through Mbappé, who calmly finished after being found by Michael Olise.
Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France's lead before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.
Any doubt over the result disappeared deep into stoppage time when Mbappé produced the standout moment of the match, firing a spectacular long-range strike into the top corner from around 30 metres.
The goal secured his place as France's record scorer and also moved him onto 14 World Cup goals, level with German legend Gerd Müller and just two behind all-time record holder Miroslav Klose.
"I'm very happy to write a little more history for my country," Mbappé said after the match. "But we're here to help the team and try to win the World Cup."
Still only 27, Mbappé continues to add to an already remarkable international career that includes a World Cup title in 2018 and a hat-trick in the 2022 final.
Former France striker Olivier Giroud congratulated his successor, saying he expects Mbappé to break even more records in the years ahead.
France will now turn their attention to their second group match against Iraq as they continue their bid for a third World Cup title.