KATHMANDU: Defending tournament runners-up France kicked off their FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Senegal in their Group I opening match.

After a tightly contested, scoreless first half, the deadlock was broken in the 66th minute when Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net off an assist from Michael Olise.

Bradley Barcola doubled the French advantage late in the game, and though Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye managed to pull one back during injury time to make it 2-1, Mbappé sealed the victory with a stunning long-range goal in the 96th minute.

This victory allowed France to redeem their infamous 2002 World Cup opening loss to Senegal as they prepare to face Iraq and Norway next in the group stage.

The match also served as a historic milestone for the 27-year-old Mbappé, who was earning his 99th cap for France.

By scoring twice, he became France’s all-time leading goal scorer, elevating his international tally to 58 goals.

Furthermore, the performance cemented his legacy on the world stage by bringing his total World Cup goal count to 14.

In doing so, Mbappé overtook legendary icons Pelé, Lionel Messi, and Just Fontaine.

He is now tied with Germany’s Gerd Müller and trails only Brazil’s Ronaldo and Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history.