France beats Norway 4-1 to clinch World Cup group lead

France defeated Norway 4-1 in their World Cup Group I match, securing first place in the group. Ousmane Dembélé scored a first‑half hat‑trick, becoming the first player to net three goals in the opening 45 minutes of a World Cup since 1994. Kylian Mbappé provided two assists for the opening goals, while the French defence remained solid, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan saving a penalty.

Norway, missing star Erling Haaland, could not capitalize on a penalty after Jorgen Strand Larsen’s shot was stopped. Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken said, “The rest we had before this match was the shortest of any team, so there is no doubt… we want to go as far as possible in the tournament.” Norway now faces Ivory Coast in the round of 16.

The match began with a minute‑silence for victims of recent Venezuelan earthquakes, and French fans displayed a banner honoring Didier Deschamps’ late mother.