France's Mbappe surpasses Giroud, Fontaine in record-filled World Cup outing against Algeria
New Jersey, June 17
Kylian Mbappe continued his remarkable rise in international football, rewriting several records as France opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal.
The French captain struck twice as Les Bleus avenged their famous 1-0 defeat to Senegal from the 2002 World Cup, making an emphatic start to another title challenge after lifting the trophy in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.
Mbappe's performance was packed with milestones. His brace took him to 14 FIFA World Cup goals, making him France's outright leading scorer in the competition and moving him past Just Fontaine's long-standing national record of 13.
The Real Madrid forward also climbed level with Germany great Gerd Muller on the all-time World Cup scoring chart, leaving only Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario (15), Miroslav Klose (16) and Lionel Messi (16) ahead of him. Messi hit a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's World Cup 2026 opener.
The 27-year-old also became France's all-time leading men's international goalscorer. His two strikes lifted his tally to 58 goals for Les Bleus, surpassing Olivier Giroud's previous record of 57.
France found the breakthrough shortly after the hour mark when Michael Olise threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Mbappe, who finished calmly beyond Edouard Mendy. The goal set France on their way before substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage in the 79th minute with a composed chipped finish.
Barcola's strike carried historical significance of its own. At 23 years and 287 days, he became the youngest French player to score on his FIFA World Cup debut since Thierry Henry, who achieved the feat at 20 years and 299 days during France's victorious 1998 campaign.
Senegal briefly threatened a comeback through Ibrahim Mbaye, whose goal made the teenager the youngest African scorer in FIFA World Cup history at 18 years and 143 days. However, Mbappe ensured there would be no late drama.
Deep into stoppage time, the France skipper surged forward and unleashed a spectacular long-range effort into the top corner to seal the victory.
The goal also marked his 15th strike across major international tournaments, allowing him to surpass Michel Platini as France's leading scorer in World Cups and European Championships combined.
France's winning start was underpinned by Mbappe's latest masterclass, further strengthening his status as one of the defining players of his generation and a central figure in Les Bleus' pursuit of a third World Cup crown.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great win for France! But can we talk about that young Senegalese striker, Ibrahim Mbaye? Becoming the youngest African scorer in World Cup history at 18 years old is a massive achievement. Africa's talent pool is growing so fast—proud to see football getting more global. France vs Senegal was never going to be easy, but Mbappe delivered when it mattered.
Mbappe is a generational talent no doubt, but let's not forget the team effort. Olise's assist was world-class, and Barcola chipping in with a goal on debut shows France's depth. Giroud's record stood for years, and seeing it broken by such a humble player is special. India needs more players who dream this big!
Impressive from France, but I'm a bit worried about their defense. Senegal nearly pulled off a comeback, and Mbaye's goal showed they can be vulnerable. Still, Mbappe is on another planet right now—15 goals in major tournaments is insane. He's only 27! If he stays fit, he could break Klose's record.
Records are made to be broken, and Mbappe is doing it in style! But honestly, I feel for Giroud—he's been a legend for France, and watching his record fall must be bittersweet. Mbappe's long-range goal at the end was pure class though. Reminds me of Thierry Henry's finishes. 🏆
As an Indian football fan, I look at these World Cup matches and feel both awe and longing. Mbappe is a phenomenon who makes every match must-watch. But where are the Bhaichung Bh
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