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🇫🇷 France /Sports

World Cup 2026: France Dominates Norway 4-1, Dembélé Scores Stunning Hat-Trick

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • France secured first place in their group with a decisive 4-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup.
  • Ousmane Dembélé was the standout player, scoring a hat-trick in 32 minutes, the second-fastest in World Cup history.
  • Despite the offensive success, defensive fragilities were noted, particularly from Dayot Upamecano, raising concerns ahead of the knockout stage.

France dominated Norway with a 4-1 victory to clinch the top spot in their World Cup group, setting the stage for the knockout rounds. The win, achieved in the absence of head coach Didier Deschamps, showcased France's attacking prowess, though defensive concerns linger.

Ousmane Dembélé was the star of the match, netting a remarkable hat-trick within the first 32 minutes. This feat marked his first for the French national team and became the second-fastest hat-trick in World Cup history. His performance, characterized by skillful dribbling and clinical finishing, drew widespread praise and highlighted his crucial role in France's campaign.

Kylian Mbappé also impressed with his speed and playmaking, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. The French attack demonstrated its ability to create and convert scoring opportunities, leading to a comfortable win against a Norwegian side that had made 10 changes to its starting lineup and appeared focused on its next match.

However, the victory was not without its drawbacks. Defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, particularly from Dayot Upamecano, who had a subpar performance. This fragility, contrasted with the strong showing from Maxence Lacroix in his World Cup debut, raises questions about the team's defensive solidity as they advance to the more challenging phase of the tournament.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.