France clinches group lead with 4-1 win over Norway at 2026 World Cup

France secured first place in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Norway 4‑1. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring within the first minute and added two more goals, while Ousmane Dembélé also found the net. Goalkeeper Alban Maignan saved a penalty, preserving the margin.

France fielded a near‑first‑team lineup under interim coach Guy Stéphan, while Norway, already qualified, made extensive changes to its starting eleven. The victory marks France’s third consecutive group‑stage win, the first such streak since the 1998 tournament, and guarantees a spot in the round of 16 scheduled for 30 June in New York, where they are expected to face Sweden.