World Cup 2026: France Seal Dominant 4-1 Victory

France beat Norway 4-1 in their final Group I match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. As a result, Les Bleus finished top of the group with a perfect record.

Ousmane Dembele was the star of the match. The PSG winger scored a brilliant hat-trick in the first half. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe also played a key role with two assists.

Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABdniNBWtRs

France Start Fast

France began the match with great energy. Norway rested several key players, including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Therefore, France quickly took control.

In the first minute, Mbappe almost scored. His powerful shot hit the crossbar. Soon after, France found the opening goal.

In the seventh minute, Mbappe passed the ball to Dembele on the right side. Dembele beat his marker and fired a strong shot past Egil Selvik. France led 1-0.

France took an early lead – Photo: AP

Dembele Takes Over

Dembele scored again in the 20th minute. This time, he cut inside from the right and curled a fine left-footed shot into the far corner. As a result, France doubled their lead.

Dembele’s spectacular goal increased the score to 2-0 – Photo: AP

However, Norway replied almost at once. Just one minute later, Thelo Aasgaard scored with a low shot from outside the box. His goal made it 2-1 and gave Norway hope.

Thelo Aasgaard reduces the deficit for Norway. Photo: AP

Even so, France stayed calm. In the 32nd minute, Dembele completed his hat-trick. He found space near the edge of the box and curled another left-footed shot into the net.

France went into half-time with a 3-1 lead.

Dembele completed an impressive hat-trick – Photo: FIFA

Norway Miss a Big Chance

Norway started the second half with more belief. They pushed forward and created chances.

Their best moment came in the 50th minute. Oscar Bobb was fouled by Theo Hernandez inside the box. Therefore, Norway were awarded a penalty.

Jorgen Strand Larsen stepped up. However, Mike Maignan guessed the right way and saved his shot. It was a huge moment in the match.

After that, Norway kept attacking. Oscar Bobb also had a clear chance in the 72nd minute. But once again, Maignan made an important save.

France Control the Game

France slowed the pace after taking a strong lead. Didier Deschamps also rested Dembele and Michael Olise after the 65th minute.

Still, France remained in control. They did not attack with the same speed as before. However, they defended well and managed the game with confidence.

Norway had more of the ball in the second half. Even so, they could not find another goal.

France (left) completely dominated Norway in the first half – Photo: AP

Doue Scores Late

France added one more goal in stoppage time. In the 90+4th minute, Bradley Barcola sent a good cross into the box.

Desire Doue rose high and headed the ball into the net. His goal sealed a 4-1 win for France.

Desire Doue sealed a 4-1 victory for the French national team – Photo: AP

France Finish Top of Group I

With this result, France ended the group stage with three wins from three matches. They collected nine points and finished first in Group I.

Meanwhile, Norway still went through as runners-up with six points. Although they lost heavily, their earlier results were enough to send them into the knockout stage.

In the other Group I match, Senegal beat Iraq 5-0. That result helped Senegal keep their hopes alive as one of the best third-placed teams.

Dembele Sends a Strong Message

Dembele’s hat-trick was the main story of the match. He scored three excellent goals and showed great confidence.

Meanwhile, Mbappe also impressed with his movement and passing. Although he did not score, he helped France break down Norway’s defense.

Overall, France looked powerful, fast, and well-balanced. They also showed great squad depth in the second half.

This 4-1 win was more than just another group-stage result. It was a warning to the rest of the tournament. France are in great form, and Dembele is becoming one of their biggest weapons at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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