Kylian Mbappe’s double denies Senegal fairytale as France launch FIFA World Cup 2026 bid with statement win

Favourites France overcame a wobbly start to defeat Group I rivals Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup opener on Tuesday, with captain Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to overtake Olivier Giroud as Les Bleus' all-time top scorer and move within two goals of Miroslav Klose's World Cup record.

There was some casual chest control from Kalidou Koulibaly in the 14th minute that ceded possession dangerously, but ultimately to no harm to Édouard Mendy.

Although they have yet to unveil the statue to Ray Houghton and the stadium has been rebuilt, there’s part of this big, aggressively functional cathedral to American professional sports where it always be that June day in 1994 and Ireland are hanging on for delirious life against Italy.

It sent France on their way to a 3-1 victory, an imperfect performance but one that has confirmed perhaps the deadliest combination world football right now.