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Kylian Mbappé's World Cup Legacy and Match Highlights

Wednesday, June 17, 2026
5 min read
Kylian Mbappé's World Cup Legacy and Match Highlights

Kylian Mbappé took his career World Cup tally to fourteen. Two behind Miroslav Klose. And Bradley Barcola was also on target for Les Bleus. That’s what happened in that game against Senegal, securing those three points for Didier Deschamps.

Mbappe darted across the box. A brilliant pass from Michael Olise on the 66th minute. It broke the deadlock. France had struggled badly in the first half, really floundered. But then they came alive after the break.

Olise found the way. Mbappe converted that chance a brilliant finish. Long range, in the 96th minute. Sealed the win. And now he’s France’s all-time top scorer with fifty-eight goals. Just two behind Klose and Ronaldo who are still ahead of him. Gerd Mueller is close too.

It was a memorable ninety-nine appearances for him. He reconnected with that World Cup feeling. Remember the 2018 final? Then the hat-trick in the 2022 penalty shootout against Argentina. That history sticks.

Deschamps, he’s wary now. Last tournament before stepping down after fourteen years leading. Worried about overconfidence in his squad.

Senegal was a warning from the past, you know. France went into that World Cup as favourites. Lost to the Lions of Teranga right at the start. Didn't score a goal in the group stage. A stark memory for everyone involved.

The match itself packed house, 80,545 people watching under bright sunshine. Manhattan skyscrapers in the distance somehow felt relevant.

Sadio Mane led the charge. Four starters born in France were on the pitch. They were playing their first real game since that Africa Cup of Nations final back in Morocco.

Pape Thiaw’s team won it eventually, though. Extra time was needed. But there was protest afterwards. Players walked off. Stripped of the title for protesting during the match. That appeal is still hanging around somewhere.

In the first half, things were different. Nicolas Jackson almost scored on the break. Twenty-five minutes in. He broke free and hit the post. Ricocheted off Maignan. Just wide. A near miss there.

Ismaila Sarr also got a glorious chance in stoppage time. Over the bar. Senegal regretted that moment immediately.

Olise and Ousmane Dembele switched positions at halftime. The Ballon d’Or man moved right, leaving space through the middle behind Mbappe for the Bayern player. A shift in dynamics there.

Suddenly France found their footing again. Olise got denied by Mendy. Then he set up Mbappe. That chance? Saved.

They thought they had a penalty on the hour mark. But Alireza Faghani didn’t award it after the review. Didn't matter really. Olise kept tearing apart the defense. And then Mbappé slipped in for the opener.

Rabiot released Barcola to run through and score. A superb goal. France struck again. Mbaye got one back at ninety-five minutes. But Mbappe had that final word.

Written by Gree News Team — Senior Editorial Board

Gree News Team covers international news and global affairs at Gree News. Our collective of senior editors is dedicated to providing independent, accurate, and responsible journalism for a global audience.

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