France Finish Group I Unbeaten After Dembele Masterclass

France wrapped up the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in impressive fashion with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway, inspired by a sensational first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembele.

The French forward delivered a clinical display, finding the net three times within the opening 32 minutes to help his side secure maximum points and finish as Group I winners.

Dembele opened the scoring in the seventh minute after a well-worked attacking move before doubling France’s advantage with a composed finish midway through the first half.

Norway briefly reduced the deficit through Thelo Aasgaard, who capitalised on a lapse in the French defence to make it 2-1.

The comeback hopes were short-lived as Dembele completed his hat-trick minutes later with another precise strike, becoming only the third French player to score three goals in a World Cup match. Desire Doue added the fourth goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic victory.

France completed the group phase with three wins from three matches, scoring 10 goals while conceding just once.

They now progress to the Round of 32 as group leaders, where they will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Norway, who had already secured qualification before the encounter, rested several key players, including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Despite the heavy defeat, they advanced to the knockout stage as Group I runners-up.

Meanwhile, Senegal boosted their chances of reaching the Round of 32 with a convincing 5-0 win over Iraq. The dominant victory strengthened their goal difference, giving the African side hope of progressing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.