OUSMANE Dembélé struck a scintillating first-half hat-trick as already-qualified France defeated Norway 4-1 on Friday to finish top of Group I and head into the FIFA World Cup knockout stage in emphatic fashion.
The 2018 world champions came within seconds of taking the lead when Kylian Mbappé's powerful effort rattled the crossbar after just 25 seconds. France's captain soon turned provider, delivering a precise pass for Ballon d'Or winner Dembélé to open the scoring in the seventh minute.
Reuters reported that Dembélé doubled France's advantage with a composed finish in the 20th minute before Norway, who had already secured second place and rested 10 of their regular starters, including leading scorer Erling Haaland, responded through an unmarked Thelo Aasgaard just a minute later.
The 29-year-old completed his first FIFA World Cup hat-trick with a clinical finish in the 32nd minute to restore France's commanding lead before the interval.
Norway had an opportunity to claw their way back early in the second half, but Jørgen Strand Larsen's penalty was saved five minutes after the restart.
France wrapped up the victory in stoppage time when Désiré Doué added a fourth goal to cap a dominant performance.
Les Bleus will discover their Round of 32 opponents only after the remaining group-stage matches conclude on Saturday. France is expected to face Sweden, while Norway are set to meet Ivory Coast in Dallas on June 30. - June 27, 2026
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