Dembele hat-trick inspires France to dominant World Cup win over Norway

Ousmane Dembele netted one of the quickest hat-tricks in World Cup history, leading France to a dominant 4-1 victory over a rotated Norway side. The Ballon d'Or winner opened the scoring in the seventh minute and added two more before halftime, with Thelo Aasgaard managing a consolation for Norway. Dembele's performance, his fourth goal of the tournament, eases pressure on Kylian Mbappe.

France concluded the group stage with a perfect nine points, scoring 10 goals across their three matches. They now advance as Group I winners and will remain in the northeastern USA for their last-32 tie against a third-place finisher in New Jersey next Tuesday. The team played without coach Didier Deschamps, who returned to France for his mother's funeral but is expected back Saturday.

Norway, who had already secured their progression, finished second in the group with six points. Coach Stale Solbakken opted to rest key players, including star striker Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, following their previous win over Senegal. The rested regulars are expected to return for Norway's next match against Ivory Coast in Dallas.

France also made changes, with Maxence Lacroix replacing the injured William Saliba. Desire Doue scored France's fourth goal late in the game, capping off a strong group stage performance. Kylian Mbappe, playing his 101st cap, also featured, aiming to add to his World Cup goal tally.

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It was an emotionally charged day for Les Bleus, who had to play this match without coach Didier Deschamps after he returned to France to attend his mother’s funeral.