France wrapped up the Group I campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a flawless record, securing top spot after a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway at Boston Stadium in the USA on Saturday.
Ousmane Dembele stole the show with a sensational hat-trick, while Desire Doue added the fourth goal as Les Bleus comfortably dispatched a heavily rotated Norwegian side in their final group-stage outing.
Dembele’s treble made him only the third Frenchman to net a hattrick at the WC, as he joined Just Fontaine and Kylian Mbappe on the elusive list.
The breakthrough came as early as the seventh minute when Kylian Mbappe released Dembele on the right. The winger cut inside before firing an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner to give France the lead.
Dembele doubled France’s advantage shortly afterwards, beating his marker with clever footwork before curling a precise left-footed strike into the net to leave the French supporters celebrating.
Norway briefly threatened a comeback through Aasgaard, who surged past Dayot Upamecano before finishing confidently beyond Mike Maignan to reduce the deficit.
France, however, quickly regained complete control. Just after the half-hour mark, Dembele created space with a dazzling move on the right and calmly slotted home to complete the second-fastest hat-trick in FIFA World Cup history.
The Norwegians were handed an opportunity to close the gap early in the second half when Oscar Bobb earned a penalty after being brought down inside the box by Theo Hernandez. Maignan came to France’s rescue, reading Jorgen Strand Larsen’s spot kick perfectly to produce an excellent save.
Desire Doue put the result beyond doubt later in the match, meeting Bradley Barcola’s inviting cross with a well-timed header to cap off an emphatic 4-1 win.
In the other Group I encounter, Senegal eased to a convincing 5-0 victory over Iraq. Papa Gueye scored twice, while Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye each added a goal as the Lions of Teranga finished third in the group with three points.
