Dembele’s Hat-Trick Steals Show as France Dominates Norway in World Cup 2026

France showcased their formidable strength and depth at World Cup 2026 with a convincing 4-1 victory over Norway, securing first place in Group I. The dominant performance, even in the temporary absence of manager Didier Deschamps, served as a powerful statement of intent from the 2018 champions.

Ousmane Dembele was the undisputed star of the match, scoring a remarkable first-half hat-trick that effectively ended the contest before halftime. While Norway may have opted to rest star player Erling Haaland, France’s comprehensive display underscored their status as strong contenders for the World Cup title.

Group Stage Dominance

France’s journey through the group stage has been marked by consistent, high-level performances. They opened their campaign with a 3-1 win against Senegal, featuring a brace from Kylian Mbappe and a goal from Bradley Barcola. Their subsequent 3-0 victory over Iraq was equally impressive, with Mbappe again scoring twice while the team restricted their opponents to zero shots on target.

In contrast, other pre-tournament favorites have faced challenges. European champions Spain were held to a goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde, and England required luck to secure a similar result against Ghana. France’s ability to consistently deliver strong performances, even in matches with little direct consequence like their game against Norway, highlights their resolve and quality.

Beyond the Mbappe Show

While Kylian Mbappe has understandably garnered significant attention as he competes for the Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, France’s success is built on the contributions of a deep pool of talent. Ousmane Dembele, once lauded for his potential but often inconsistent on the big stage, has found a new level of performance. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain, Dembele has been instrumental in their recent Champions League triumphs and was recognized with the Ballon d’Or in 2025.

His hat-trick against Norway was particularly significant, marking his first in a World Cup opening half since 1994. This performance added to his tally, bringing his World Cup goal count to four in two games.

Michael Olise has also emerged as a key figure on the right wing. The Bayern Munich star has proven adept at both creating chances for his teammates and scoring himself. With three assists so far in the tournament, Olise is leading by example and, if he can maintain his fitness, presents a formidable threat. The variety of attacking options available to Didier Deschamps means that France is not solely reliant on Mbappe.

Looking Ahead

Having secured the top spot in Group I, France now awaits their opponent in the round of 32. They are scheduled to face a third-placed team from Groups C, D, F, G, or H at MetLife Stadium on June 30. While Sweden, Scotland, or Paraguay are potential opponents, France will be confident of progressing regardless of the draw.

A potential Round of 16 clash against Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany, winners of Group E, would present a significant test. Further progression could see them face teams like South Africa, Canada, Morocco, or the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Key facts
| Competition | Event |
|—|—|
| World Cup 2026 | France finishes first in Group I |
| Player Performance | Ousmane Dembele scores hat-trick vs. Norway |
| France’s Attack | Strong performances from Dembele and Olise alongside Mbappe |

France’s consistent displays and the emergence of key players like Dembele and Olise, in addition to the established brilliance of Mbappe, solidify their position as genuine World Cup favorites. Their ability to dominate opponents and score multiple goals demonstrates a team firing on all cylinders, ready to face any challenge in the knockout stages.

Source: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/france/world-cup-2026/feature/much-more-than-mbappe-why-france-are-world-cup-favourites-after-dembele-hat-trick_600184.html

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