France forward Ousmane Dembélé scored a first-half hat trick to lead France to a 4-1 victory over Norway on June 26, 2026 [1], [2].
The win is critical as it guarantees France the top position in their group and secures their advancement to the knockout stage of the tournament [3], [4].
Playing in Foxborough, Massachusetts, France dominated the early stages of the match [5]. Dembélé completed his three-goal treble within the first 32 minutes of the game [6]. This rapid offensive surge provided France with a commanding lead before the halftime whistle.
Norway struggled to contain the French attack, ultimately conceding four goals in the match [1], [7]. While Norway managed to find the net once, they were unable to mount a comeback against the French side [7].
The victory cements France as one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup [8]. The team's clinical finishing and tactical dominance during this group stage match reflect a strong form heading into the next round of competition [8].
France's progression ensures they avoid some of the more difficult matchups associated with lower group seeding. The result marks a significant milestone for Dembélé, who established himself as a primary threat in the French lineup during the match [2], [3].
“Dembélé completed his three-goal treble within the first 32 minutes of the game”
By securing the top spot in the group, France gains a more favorable draw for the knockout rounds, avoiding the top seeds from other groups. Dembélé's rapid hat trick demonstrates a level of offensive efficiency that makes France a formidable contender for the title, while Norway's defeat highlights the gap between the tournament's elite teams and those struggling with depth.
