Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick to lead France to a 4-1 victory over Norway on Friday [1].
The win is critical as it secures France the top spot in Group I and reinforces the team's position as a favorite to win the 2026 World Cup [2].
Dembele dominated the early stages of the match, completing his three goals within the first 32 minutes of play [3]. The rapid offensive surge left Norway unable to recover, establishing a commanding lead before the halftime whistle. France ultimately finished the match with a final score of 4-1 [1].
Following the victory, Dembele emphasized the team's ambition for the tournament. "We want to win every game," Dembele said [4].
The result cements France's momentum as they transition from the group stage into the knockout rounds. By securing the top seed in their group, France avoids some of the tournament's most difficult early matchups, a strategic advantage that could prove decisive in their pursuit of the trophy [2].
Norway struggled to contain the French attack throughout the evening. While they managed to find the net once, the defensive lapses in the first half proved insurmountable [1]. The disparity in performance highlights the current gap in form between the two sides as the competition intensifies [3].
“"We want to win every game"”
By securing the top spot in Group I, France gains a more favorable seeding for the knockout stages. Dembele's clinical performance suggests he is a primary offensive engine for the squad, making France a formidable opponent for any team facing them in the subsequent rounds of the 2026 World Cup.
