France beat Senegal 3-1 in their Group I World Cup opener on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to launch their bid for a third title.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 66th minute after Michael Olise moved inside and created the key chance. The Real Madrid forward then struck again from long range in the 96th minute.
Bradley Barcola came off the bench to score France’s second goal late in the match. Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in stoppage time before Mbappe sealed the result.
Mbappe’s double took his career World Cup tally to 14 goals. He moved past Pele, Lionel Messi and Just Fontaine, and now sits two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose.
The 27-year-old also became France’s all-time top scorer with 58 goals in his 99th international appearance.
Senegal had the better first half and nearly led through Nicolas Jackson, who hit the post after a breakaway. Ismaila Sarr also missed a clear chance before the interval.
Read: Iran New Zealand Draw 2-2 in World Cup Opener
Didier Deschamps changed the game by moving Olise inside after halftime. Olise tested Edouard Mendy, created another Mbappe chance and then set up the opener.
France next faces Iraq before meeting Erling Haaland’s Norway. Deschamps’ side will try to build on the win as they push for a place in the last 32.
