Ousmane Dembele's Hat-Trick Leads France to Dominant Win Over Norway in World Cup
France Secures Top Spot with Impressive Victory
In a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match held in Boston on June 27, Ousmane Dembele showcased his exceptional talent by scoring a remarkable hat-trick, propelling France to a decisive 4-1 win against Norway.
Both teams had already clinched their spots in the knockout phase after winning their first two matches. France entered the game leading the group on goal difference and needed only a draw to secure the top position.
However, they concluded the group stage with an emphatic performance, confirming their dominance in Group I.
Dembele's first-half hat-trick set the tone for the match, as he opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a superb finish. He then doubled his tally in the 20th minute with a spectacular long-range strike. Norway managed to respond quickly, with Thelo Aasgaard scoring in the 21st minute, narrowing the gap.
Yet, Dembele quickly restored France's two-goal lead, completing his hat-trick in the 32nd minute with a powerful shot, marking the first first-half hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup this century.
Norway had a chance to get back into the game during the second half, but striker Jorgen Strand Larsen's missed penalty only added to their woes.
Desire Doue capped off the scoring for France with a header in the 94th minute, following a brilliant cross from his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola.
France has now scored three or more goals in each of their last four World Cup matches, a feat not achieved by any team since Spain did so from 1998 to 2002.
Norway finished second in Group I and will face the Ivory Coast in the round of 32 in Dallas, while France will remain on the East Coast to take on a third-place qualifier.