Dembele Hat-Trick Powers France Past Norway at FIFA World Cup 2026

France finished top of Group I at the FIFA World Cup after beating Norway 4-1. The defeat was only Norway's second in their last 19 international matches.

Norway surprised many by making 10 changes to their starting lineup, and they were nearly punished just 22 seconds into the match. Kylian Mbappé cut in from the right and hit the underside of the crossbar, missing what could have been the third-fastest World Cup goal in history.

France kept attacking throughout the opening minutes. Manu Kone forced a save from Egil Selvik before Ousmane Dembele finally broke the deadlock, firing a right-footed shot from inside the box past the Norway goalkeeper.

Norway had a great chance to equalize when Jorgen Strand Larsen fired a loose ball over the bar from close range. France made them pay soon after, as a quick counter-attack ended with Ousmane Dembele curling a brilliant shot into the far corner.

France's two-goal lead lasted only a few seconds. Right after the restart, Norway pulled one back through Thelo Aasgaard, who created space with a clever move before drilling the ball into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

The first half turned into one of the most entertaining of the tournament, with France restoring their two-goal advantage as Ousmane Dembele completed his hat-trick. He cut onto his stronger left foot inside the box and curled another fine shot into the far corner.

Afterwards, Oscar Bobb helped Norway win a penalty and later had a good chance to score after being played through by Thelo Aasgaard. However, his weak left-footed shot went straight to Mike Maignan.

France then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time when Désiré Doué headed home their fourth goal. The win gave France three victories from three group matches for the first time since their successful 1998 World Cup campaign, sending them into the knockout stage full of confidence.