Mbappé scores twice as France beat Senegal 3-1 in World Cup opener

Kylian Mbappé scored twice to lead France past Senegal 3-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I opener at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.espn
The brace eased concerns about a thigh injury sustained during Real Madrid’s La Liga season and put France atop their group ahead of matches against Iraq and Norway.espn
Both Mbappé and rumored girlfriend Ester Expósito separately addressed intense media scrutiny of their personal lives on the eve of the tournament, according to Le Parisien.huffingtonpost

Mbappé Linked to Actress Ester Expósito as World Cup Campaign Begins

Kylian Mbappé scored twice to lead France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, capping a period in which his personal life has drawn nearly as much attention as his football. The Real Madrid forward has been romantically linked to Spanish actress Ester Expósito since early 2026, with the pair spotted together across multiple cities in Europe.espn

A Romance Unfolding in Public View

The connection first surfaced in late February when the two were reportedly seen together in Madrid around Valentine’s Day. By early March, they were photographed leaving the Royal Monceau hotel in Paris before boarding a private jet back to Spain. Subsequent sightings followed in April near the Santiago Bernabéu, and most recently in Ibiza in early June, just before the World Cup kicked off.hola

Despite the mounting photographic evidence, neither Mbappé nor Expósito has officially confirmed the relationship. France coach Didier Deschamps dismissed questions about the matter, telling reporters, “In his free time, Mbappé can do whatever he wants. I don’t get involved”.marca

Expósito Addresses the Scrutiny

In an interview with Le Parisien published on June 15 during the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Expósito broke her silence on the media frenzy. “Since Elite, it’s been the same every time something happens in my private life,” she said. “I don’t like it because I’m a very private person. I don’t want it to overshadow my career”.huffingtonpost

The 26-year-old actress, known for her roles in Netflix’s Elite and the series Bandidos, has seen her global profile rise further amid the speculation, with her Instagram following exceeding 24 million. Mbappé, for his part, addressed celebrity pressure separately on the eve of France’s opener, saying his “ideal day” would be one of anonymity.pulsesports

World Cup Focus Returns

With France now atop Group I after Tuesday’s win, the spotlight shifts back to the pitch. Mbappé’s brace against Senegal answered questions about his fitness following a thigh injury sustained during Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign. France face Iraq and Norway in their remaining group matches as they chase a third World Cup title.france24