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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Sam Brookes

Mbappe breaks Pele and Giroud goalscoring records to lead France to World Cup win over Senegal

  • Kylian Mbappe scored his 13th and 14th World Cup goals as France beat Senegal 3-1 in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.
  • Mbappe opened the scoring in the 66th minute as he moved past Brazilian legend Pele’s total of 12 World Cup goals.
  • Mbappe’s goal came just minutes after he was controversially denied a penalty after appearing to be fouled by Sadio Mane inside the area, with the referee determining after a VAR review that Mbappe had “initiated the contact” with the defender.
  • Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead before Ibrahim Mbaye gave Senegal hope of a late comeback.
  • However, deep into added time, Mbappe fired home a stunning effort from distance to seal victory for France, as he became his nation’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 goals, one ahead of Olivier Giroud.

IN FULL

France vs Senegal LIVE: Mbappe scores stunning third for Les Bleus to quell Senegal fightback

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