FIFA WC 2026: Mbappé brace lifts France to 3-1 win over Senegal
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New Jersey: Kylian Mbappe starred as France beat Senegal 3-1 in a physical, high-tempo FIFA World Cup 2026 clash on Tuesday, with the forward’s brace moving him past Lionel Messi on the tournament’s all-time scoring list.
The first half produced end-to-end action but no goals, as both teams attacked with purpose — Senegal troubled the French defence and forced several saves, while France threatened on the break. The deadlock was broken in the 66th minute when Michael Olise slipped a perfectly weighted pass through to Mbappe, who finished calmly to give Les Bleus the lead.
Substitute Bradley Barcola extended France’s advantage in the 82nd minute, bursting onto an incisive Adrien Rabiot pass and slotting home to put the result beyond doubt. Senegal fought back late: Ibrahim Mbaye’s 90+5 strike, aided by a deflection, halved the deficit and sparked a frantic finale. Mbappe answered almost immediately, drilling a spectacular long-range shot in the 90+6 minute to complete the win and his brace.
Mbappe’s performance reaffirmed his status among world football’s elite and saw him overtake Lionel Messi on the World Cup all-time scorers list as France opened their campaign with a hard-earned victory.
(Inputs from IANS)