France's route to World Cup glory may once again depend less on keeping goals out than on scoring more than their opponents. Kylian Mbappe's impressive double in a 3-1 victory over Senegal highlighted the attacking depth that could compensate for lingering defensive frailties. Much of the spotlight before kick-off had fallen on Mbappe, who faced criticism following a challenging club season and France's unconvincing warm-up matches. However, the captain responded emphatically, launching his World Cup campaign with two goals.

Bradley Barcola added a third from the bench, showcasing the extraordinary attacking options available to coach Didier Deschamps. This performance reinforces the idea that France's greatest strength remains at the top end of the pitch. Historically, France has been a powerhouse in scoring; they shared the distinction of being the highest scorers at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, netting 16 goals, and were second only to Belgium in Russia four years earlier with 14.

The formula for success may have evolved, but it remains familiar. Deschamps has increasingly embraced a four-man frontline, trusting his forwards to overwhelm opponents rather than seeking additional protection in midfield. Against Senegal, Mbappe was flanked by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue, forming a quartet capable of troubling any defense in the tournament.

While Mbappe remains the headline act, France's strength extends far beyond their captain. Barcola's goal from the bench, along with the attacking prowess of Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram, highlights the depth of talent at Deschamps' disposal. Notably, Hugo Ekitike, who had a breakthrough club season, is missing from the World Cup due to injury.

However, concerns about France's defensive vulnerabilities persist. Senegal created several dangerous situations and managed to pull a goal back by exploiting space behind the French defense. This echoed issues that arose during warm-up matches, where Les Bleus struggled to cope with opponents attacking the space behind them.

The defensive concerns are not solely a matter of personnel; William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano are among Europe’s most highly regarded center backs. Instead, the issue stems from France's aggressive positioning, which leaves them susceptible to quick transitions when possession is lost. Whether this becomes a fatal flaw may determine how far they progress in the tournament.