Kylian Mbappé made history once again and set the MetLife Stadium ablaze with a stunning performance, in an inaugural day of the 2026 World Cup that is already breaking records and surprising even the most skeptical. Not even the sweltering heat of New Jersey could hold back the French genius, who became the all-time leading scorer for the French national team, while Cristiano Ronaldo embarks on his final quest for the only trophy that eludes him, and England dares to dream big again after an impeccable qualification.
Although the World Cup has only just begun, emotions are already running high, and the biggest stars of world football wasted no time in making their mark. In Foxborough, Massachusetts, Erling Haaland could not have asked for a better debut: two goals before halftime and a clear 4-1 victory for Norway against Iraq. About 300 kilometers south, at the MetLife Stadium, France and Senegal faced off in one of the most anticipated clashes of Group I, with Mbappé delivering a memorable night and rewriting the history of the “bleus.”
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The French start was anything but brilliant: the team led by Didier Deschamps went into halftime with just one shot and an embarrassing 0.02 xG (expected goals), being fortunate to reach the break level. The French attack seemed dormant and the crowd was beginning to get impatient, until Mbappé, once again, took on the role of hero. In the 66th minute, the Real Madrid forward opened the scoring, equalling Olivier Giroud as the all-time top scorer for the French national team. In stoppage time, Mbappé went even further, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the area, becoming the sole all-time leading scorer for the “bleus” with 14 goals in World Cup finals, now just two goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. Bradley Barcola, a PSG forward, also came off the bench to score the third, while Ibrahim Mbaye netted a consolation goal for Senegal.
Deschamps did not hold back in his praise for his captain at the press conference: “Kylian is absolutely decisive on these stages. His hunger to win is unmatched, and he demonstrated that again when the team needed it most.” Mbappé, visibly emotional, admitted: “I grew up dreaming of these moments. Being the top scorer for France is a huge pride, but I want more. I want to lift the trophy.”
While the night was one of celebration for Mbappé, the start of the World Cup also marks the final opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to win the last trophy he is missing. The legendary Portuguese forward, now 41 years old, knows that this is his last chance to put an end to the endless debate over who is truly the greatest of all time. Peter Drury, a renowned commentator, expertly summarized the moment: “Lionel Messi shook hands with paradise when he won in 2022. Now it remains to be seen if Ronaldo can match that feat.” Ronaldo is accompanied by a star-studded squad, which includes Bruno Fernandes, the record holder for Manchester United, and Rafael Leão, the star of AC Milan. Portugal will debut against debutants DR Congo, in a group that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan, and only victory matters to keep the Captain’s dream alive.
On the English side, the motto “It’s coming home” resonates strongly once again, after 60 years without lifting the trophy and an unblemished qualification: eight wins, 22 goals scored, zero conceded. However, the atmosphere is far from peaceful. Thomas Tuchel, the German coach at the helm of the “Three Lions,” has faced fierce criticism for his controversial choices, leaving out several stars from the Premier League to bet on veterans like Jordan Henderson or Ivan Toney. The pressure is at its peak, and only a convincing start against Croatia, a semifinalist in 2018 and 2022, can calm the British ranks. “We know what’s at stake, but I believe this generation can make history,” Tuchel stated in remarks to the English press ahead of the opening match.
With the World Cup promising more surprises and protagonists with each passing matchday, all eyes are on the upcoming performances of Mbappé, Ronaldo, and the young English lions. The Frenchman is just two goals away from dethroning Klose as the all-time top scorer in finals, Ronaldo is literally going all out, and England, despite the doubts, is beginning to believe again. What’s next? A tournament that promises to be unforgettable, where every game can change the course of history and where legends seek to immortalize their names.
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