Kylian Mbappé addressed reporters at New York New Jersey Stadium Monday night after France’s 3-1 win over Senegal in the 2026 World Cup opener.
The France captain scored twice in the second half, setting a new national team scoring record with 58 goals in 99 appearances. He moved past Olivier Giroud’s total of 57 during the Group I match in East Rutherford, N.J., on June 16, 2026.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mbappé said he was “very pleased to be able to go a little further into the history of my country, but the goal is to write the great page of the history of the France team.” He stressed that the team’s focus remains on winning the tournament, not individual milestones. Mbappé noted the first match was difficult after a scoreless first half and praised Senegal’s performance before France found its rhythm.
France coach Didier Deschamps said Mbappé’s record was “the result of his work and talent,” adding that the captain’s leadership was clear on the pitch. With the victory, France leads Group I and will face its next opponent on Saturday. Mbappé has now scored in three straight World Cups after netting four goals in 2018 and eight in 2022, including a hat trick in the final.