France commenced its World Cup title defense with a 1-0 victory over Australia, fueled by a stunning long-range goal from Kylian Mbappé. The match, played in Al Rayyan, Qatar, saw France controlling possession but facing a resilient Australian side. Mbappé’s goal, achieved in the 9th minute, marked his seventh World Cup goal, solidifying his position as a key player for the defending champions. Despite Australia’s efforts to equalize, France maintained its lead throughout the game. Coach Didier Deschamps lauded Mbappé’s performance as “extraordinary,” highlighting his importance to the team. The win places France at the top of Group D, setting a positive tone for their campaign. Australia demonstrated strong defensive capabilities despite the loss.