Kylian Mbappe Scores Twice as France Beat Senegal 3-1 in World Cup Opener

NEW JERSEY — Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France overcame a spirited challenge from Senegal to secure a 3-1 victory in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, beginning their campaign with a strong second-half display at MetLife Stadium.

Senegal troubled the 2022 runners-up for much of the first half, creating several promising opportunities and keeping France under pressure. However, Didier Deschamps’ side raised their level after the break, with Mbappe once again proving decisive on football’s biggest stage.

The French forward netted twice in the second half to take his World Cup tally to 14 goals, drawing level with German legend Gerd Muller as the third-highest scorer in tournament history. At just 27, Mbappe now sits two goals behind all-time leading scorer Miroslav Klose’s record of 16.

Bradley Barcola added France’s other goal, delicately lifting the ball over Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to put the match beyond doubt.

Senegal pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time when Ibrahim Mbaye fired a powerful effort past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was unable to keep the shot out despite getting a hand to it.

The victory gave France three points and an early advantage in their group as they seek a return to the World Cup final after their dramatic defeat to Argentina in 2022.

Mbappe’s latest goals also intensified the race among the tournament’s leading scorers. Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who entered the tournament with 13 World Cup goals, was set to begin his campaign later on Tuesday against Algeria.

Ahead of Argentina’s opening match, coach Lionel Scaloni expressed confidence that Messi had fully recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered while playing for Inter Miami in May.

“Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentines, because of the impact he has on people,” Scaloni told reporters. “He has always been crucial for us, and now he will be even more so. He looks good.”

Messi eased concerns over his fitness by coming off the bench to score in Argentina’s warm-up victory over Iceland last week.

“He’s a competitive animal,” defender Nicolas Otamendi said. “He forces you to keep trying, he doesn’t let you relax.”

Elsewhere, Norway prepared for their first World Cup appearance since 1998, with star striker Erling Haaland set to make his tournament debut against Iraq.

Haaland arrives at the finals in prolific form after finishing as the Premier League’s top scorer for the third time in four seasons with Manchester City. The striker has scored 55 goals in 50 international appearances for Norway.

“Hopefully he’ll have a very big impact,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said ahead of the match.

Iraq coach Graham Arnold, meanwhile, said his side was eager to spring a surprise.

“We’ve got to perform to our best and try to shock the world,” Arnold said. “Qualification is not enough. I want more.”

In Monday’s matches, Spain were held to a surprise goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde, while Iran and New Zealand played out a 2-2 draw in Los Angeles.

Following Iran’s match, coach Amir Ghalenoei criticised tournament organisers, claiming his side had faced logistical difficulties after being instructed to return to Mexico immediately after the game.

Iranian media later reported that winger Mehdi Torabi had been issued a single-entry visa rather than the multiple-entry visa provided to other members of the squad.

The issue added to a series of challenges for Iran, who switched their training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, shortly before the tournament amid diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.