Ousmane Dembélé produced a masterclass in front of goal as France defeated Norway 4-1 in Boston on Friday to finish top of Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward struck a sensational first half hat trick, helping Les Bleus maintain their perfect group stage record and book their place in the Round of 32 as group winners. Desire Doue added a late fourth to complete another convincing performance from one of the tournament favourites.
Despite Thelo Aasgaard briefly reducing the deficit for Norway, the Scandinavians were unable to halt France’s attacking brilliance and now advance to the knockout stage as group runners up.
France Dominate Early Proceedings
France wasted little time asserting their authority, nearly taking the lead inside the opening minute when Kylian Mbappe struck the crossbar.
The breakthrough soon followed as Dembele curled home a superb opener before doubling France’s advantage with a powerful long range strike that gave the Norwegian goalkeeper no chance.
Norway responded almost immediately through Aasgaard, whose finish offered a glimmer of hope after just 79 seconds. However, Dembele restored France’s two goal cushion before the interval, completing a clinical hat trick and putting Didier Deschamps’ side firmly in control.
Norway Miss Chance To Fight Back
Norway had an opportunity to reduce the deficit early in the second half after Oscar Bobb won a penalty, but Jorgen Strand Larsen failed to capitalise as Mike Maignan comfortably saved his spot kick.
The missed opportunity proved costly as France continued to dictate proceedings, limiting Norway’s attacking threat while creating chances of their own.
Doue put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, rising to meet Bradley Barcola’s cross with a well placed header that capped another impressive attacking display from Les Bleus.
Knockout Stage Awaits
The victory ensured France finished top of Group I with three wins from three matches, reinforcing their status as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy.
France are expected to face Sweden in the Round of 32, while Norway’s second place finish sets up a knockout clash against Ivory Coast.
Although the much anticipated battle between Mbappe and Erling Haaland never materialised, with the Norwegian striker remaining on the bench throughout the match, France needed little inspiration beyond Dembele’s brilliance to underline their championship credentials.
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