Mbappe’s Brace Helps France Defeat Senegal

By Daniel Feuerstein | East Rutherford, NJ | June 16th, 2026

On a warm afternoon at the Swamps of the Meadowlands, two-time World Cup Champion France was set to take on Senegal. This matchup has had its moments in past World Cups, including a huge win for the African side when they defeated the French in the 2002 World Cup, when they had Thierry Henry as the nation attempted to defend their first title. This time at MetLife Stadium, it would be the Kylian Mbappe era of the French National Team as they took down Senegal by a final score of three goals to one.

Mbappe leads his team with two goals

The Real Madrid striker knew he had to lead his side to a strong start and made sure to earn the full three points. Kylian Mbappe had a solid second half as France had difficulties in the first half against a Senegal side that was doing well defensively and was attacking with passion, but couldn’t convert any chances they had. While the French refocused during halftime inside their locker room, they came back out with a purpose to take the opening goal.

His first goal was perfection as France was making their attacking run. Michael Olise had possession of the ball and made the move in the middle of the park. He saw M’Bappe making his run, and Olise gave him the ball into his stride. Mbappe collected the ball, and when he entered the Senegal area, a slight side-foot touch that just beat the extended right foot of Edouard Mendy in the 66th minute.

His second goal during second half stoppage time was an amazing blast that many thought might take the net off the hooks of the posts and the crossbar. He took a massive shot on a one timer and smashed it past Mendy for his second of the match and scored in the sixth minute of ten in second half stoppage time. With his two goals in this match, Mbappe scored his 57th and 58th career goals for the French National Team, surpassing Olivier Giroud‘s record. M’Bappe has also surpassed Lionel Messi at the moment, scoring his 13th and 14th World Cup Goals in 15 World Cup Matches; Messi did it in 25 matches

Barcola’s chip shot was beautiful

Bradley Barcola came on as a second half substitute for Ousmane Dembele in the 80th minute, and right away, he made a big impact. France once again had the ball in midfield as Adrien Rabiot got control and started to move it up. He saw Barcola making a run and crossed the ball toward his marker. Barcola saw the ball land in front of him, and he got close to Mendy inside the area. He chipped Mendy just inside the near post and got the two-goal lead in the 82nd minute

A slight ray of hope for Senegal

As the match entered second half stoppage time, Senegal continued to push themselves to try and pull one back. The moment came when Iliman had the ball start going down the far side of the pitch. He passed the ball to Ibrahim Ibaye, who was off to the races. When Ibaye received the ball and entered the area, he blasted the ball over the left shoulder of Mike Maignan and smashed the back of the net in the fifth minute of ten in second half stoppage time.

Kylian M’Bappe scored two goals to help France get a win over Senegal in their first match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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