Mbappé Scores Twice as France Defeats Senegal 3-1 in World Cup Opener

Kylian Mbappé scored twice to lead France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in the opening match of Group I at the World Cup on Tuesday afternoon. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 66th minute and added a long-range strike in the final minute of extra time. Bradley Barcola scored France's second goal as a substitute.

France trailed in shots during the first half but finished with an 11-6 advantage. Expected goals favored France 1.79 to 0.56 by full time. Senegal scored late in stoppage time to make the score 2-1 before Mbappé's clinching goal restored the two-goal margin.

Mbappé's two goals brought his total for France to 58, passing Olivier Giroud for the national team record. He now has 14 World Cup goals, tied for third all-time.

France is considered among the strongest teams in the 48-team tournament and is favored to advance from Group I with three wins. The match drew more than 80,000 spectators on a 75-degree day. The World Cup returned to the United States for the first time in 32 years. France will next play in the group stage with a chance to reach the final at the same stadium on July 19.