France beats Norway 4-1 as Dembele scores World Cup hat‑trick

France defeated Norway 4‑1 in a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ousmane Dembele netting a hat‑trick in the first half. The French side, already qualified for the knockout stage, secured top spot in the group, while Norway, having rested most of its regular starters including Erling Haaland, finished as runners‑up and will meet Ivory Coast in the round of 32.

Dembele’s three goals came from swift passes by Kylian Mbappé, making it the second‑earliest World Cup hat‑trick on record. Norway’s consolation goal was scored by Thelo Aasgaard. The match also saw a saved penalty by Norway’s Jorgen Strand Larsen and a late French header by Desire Doué.

The result positions France for a potential knockout clash with Sweden, while Norway’s performance highlights the impact of squad rotation in major tournaments.