Dembélé Hits Terrific Treble as France Finish Top of Group I

France sealed top spot in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway, thanks to a sensational first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé. The French forward delivered one of the finest individual performances of the tournament, helping Les Bleus complete the group stage with a perfect record of three wins from three matches.

Dembélé wasted little time making his mark, scoring three goals within the opening 25 minutes. His clinical finishing and electric movement overwhelmed the Norwegian defense, giving France complete control of the match before halftime. The remarkable hat-trick also secured Dembélé a place in French football history, as he became only the third French player to score a World Cup hat-trick after Just Fontaine and Kylian Mbappé. It was also the second-fastest hat-trick ever recorded in FIFA World Cup history.

Norway managed to pull one goal back through Thelo Aasgaard, but it proved to be only a consolation as France continued to dominate possession and create chances. Late in the match, Désiré Doué added a fourth goal with a well-placed header, putting the result beyond any doubt and completing an impressive French performance.

France entered the match with confidence after victories over Senegal and Iraq, while Norway had already secured qualification for the knockout stage. Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken opted to rest several key players, including Erling Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard, choosing to preserve them for the Round of 32. Although the decision disappointed fans hoping to witness a showdown between Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, the Norwegian manager defended the rotation as a necessary move in a demanding tournament schedule.

The victory carried extra emotional significance for France. Head coach Didier Deschamps was absent after leaving the squad to attend his mother’s funeral, with assistant coach Guy Stéphan taking charge from the touchline. The French players dedicated the victory to their manager, producing one of their most complete displays of the tournament.

With nine points from three matches, France finished first in Group I and advanced to the Round of 32 with maximum points. Norway also progressed as the group runners-up despite the defeat. France will now face Sweden in the knockout stage, while Norway is set to meet the Ivory Coast as both teams continue their World Cup campaigns.

Dembélé’s outstanding form has strengthened France’s status as one of the leading contenders for the World Cup title. After scoring only once in his previous World Cup appearances, the Paris Saint-Germain star now has four goals in the tournament and has emerged as one of its standout performers. If he continues this level of performance, France will be difficult to stop as the knockout rounds begin.

Ousmane Dembélé records table in FIFA World Cup matches

Ousmane Dembélé has become one of France’s most influential players in FIFA World Cup history through his consistent performances across multiple tournaments. He made his World Cup debut at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he played 7 matches, scored 1 goal, provided 1 assist, and accumulated 362 minutes on the pitch, helping France lift the World Cup trophy. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Dembélé once again featured in 7 matches, contributed 1 goal and 2 assists, and played 467 minutes, playing a key role in France’s run to the final. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup (stats shown as current), he has appeared in 3 matches, scored 1 goal, registered 1 assist, and played 180 minutes. Across all three FIFA World Cup tournaments, Dembélé has totaled 17 appearances, 3 goals, 4 assists, and 1,009 minutes of playing time, highlighting his importance as a dynamic winger and creative force for the French national team.