Kylian Mbappe Scores Two Goals Against Senegal, Breaking France's World Cup 2026 Goal Record

JAKARTA - Kylian Mbappe improved his position in the all-time top scorer list at the World Cup and became France's top scorer with two more goals in a 3-1 win over Senegal in Group I of the 2026 World Cup in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 WIB.

France, who were favourites after winning in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022, were held to a draw by Senegal in the first half.

However, a slick pass from Michael Olise found Mbappe just after the 60th minute and the Real Madrid striker made no mistake.

Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain then added the second goal in the 79th minute by bouncing the ball past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, shortly after coming off the bench, before Ibrahim Mbaye scored the consolation goal for the African nation.

However, Mbappe saved the best for last with the best goal of the tournament so far.

At the end of injury time, he dribbled the ball before firing into the top corner from about 27 yards out.

The 27-year-old now equals West Germany legend Gerd Muller's record of 14 World Cup goals thanks to his two goals against Senegal.

The collection took him to third in the all-time list of top scorers behind Miroslav Klose of Germany and Lionel Messi of Argentina, who have 16 goals each.

Messi reached that rank by scoring a hat-trick against Algeria on the same day. Brazilian striker Ronaldo is in third place with 15 goals.

Mbappe started the match against Senegal in sixth place with Pele of Brazil with 12 goals.

Mbappe's two goals then took his collection to 58 goals for France, which saw him overtake Olivier Giroud as the highest-scoring player of all time for Les Bleus.

Mbappe has now scored in three consecutive World Cups. He became the second player, after Geoff Hurst of England in 1966, to score a hat-trick in the World Cup final when the match ended 3-3 against Argentina in Qatar four years ago.

Mbappe's contribution, which has been visible since France's opening match at the 2026 World Cup, has silenced critics even though he is reluctant to play to prove to critics.

"I'm playing to make history for my country and to make sure my team is in the final and wins the World Cup."

"There is no revenge (against critics). If I start playing for everyone who criticizes me and to silence them, I have to play until I'm 80 years old."

"I'm very happy to be able to write a little more history of my country. That has always been my desire. However, we know why we are here."

"I will have time to think about things like this (record) later when I stop playing. I'm here to help the team, to continue with my teammates to write another page in the history of the French national team. We know there is still a long way to go, but we are ready," said Mbappe.

Mbappe had 14 touches in the first half which ended goalless, the least of any player. France lost 1-5 on shots.

A shot by Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson in the 25th minute hit the crossbar, bounced off the heel of goalkeeper Mike Maignan and went out of the field.

Les Bleus then outclassed their opponents in shots 10-1 in the second half, when Mbappe showed his brilliance.

"It's a relief. We were worried. It's always nice to start with a win. It's not decisive, but it's good to start that way," said France coach Didier Deschamps.

"In the first half, we didn't play well, they were better than us," defender William Saliba added.

With fans in Senegal denied visas by the United States Government, Singa Teranga supporters were confined to sections in the south-west corner of the MetLife Stadium.

Although most of the stadium seats were almost full, namely 80,545 people, there were empty seats on the mezzanine level, which is a suite class with air conditioning behind the outdoor seats.

Two hours before the match started, ticket prices dropped as low as 69 US dollars on the FIFA resale site. However, FIFA sold tickets at prices ranging from 220 to 620 US dollars in December 2025.

Looking to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, France will play Iraq in Philadelphia next week, then close out Group I on June 26, 2026 against Norway in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, Senegal will meet Norway at MetLife Stadium and complete the group stage against Iraq in Toronto.