Dembele’s hat-trick highlights World Cup Day 16 as Pochettino offered USMNT extension

Day 16 of the World Cup saw a memorable performance from France’s Ousmane Dembele, who struck a hat-trick against Norway. Meanwhile, significant news emerged off the pitch as USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly been offered a new four-year contract.

Cape Verde achieved a historic feat, qualifying for the knockout stage as the smallest nation by population to reach this stage of a World Cup, following a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia.

Dembele’s World Cup Flourish

France forward Ousmane Dembele reminded the football world of his talent with a brilliant hat-trick against Norway in Boston. While the match was anticipated to be a showcase for Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, it was Dembele who stole the spotlight. Haaland was rested by Norway, and though Mbappe also performed well, Dembele’s three goals were the decisive factor.

His first goal was a driven effort with his right foot, followed by two left-footed strikes after cutting inside. Although Norway did not field a full-strength squad, Dembele’s performance demonstrated the agility, quick thinking, and shooting prowess that make him one of the game’s elite players. This form could pose a significant challenge for opponents in the knockout stages, including Graham Potter’s Sweden.

Dembele’s award of the Ballon d’Or last September, ahead of other notable players, was a testament to his integral role in PSG’s Champions League success. His continued strong performances underscore his status as a world-class talent.

Pochettino Offered USMNT Extension

In a significant development for the United States Men’s National Team, coach Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly been offered a new four-year contract by U.S. Soccer. The Athletic reported that the offer was made before the tournament began, with the potential for Pochettino to lead the team through to the 2030 World Cup.

While no decision will be made until after the current tournament concludes, the offer highlights Pochettino’s popularity and the success he has achieved since taking the U.S. job in 2024. The team’s strong performances as co-hosts, including emphatic wins over Paraguay and Australia, have connected with the American public. Despite a loss to a rotated Turkey side, winning Group D is considered a notable achievement.

The focus now shifts to the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco. Progression from this stage could set the USMNT on course for their first quarter-final appearance since 2002, a significant milestone for soccer in the United States. Pochettino’s potential continued leadership would be a major boost for the team’s development.

Norway’s Strategic Rest

Norway’s coach, Stale Solbakken, opted to rest key players, including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, for their match against France. Solbakken explained the decision as a “no-brainer,” citing player fatigue from their previous game against Senegal. This strategic move aimed to preserve the fitness of his stars for the crucial knockout phase.

Finishing second in their group means Norway faces a challenging route through the knockouts, with potential ties against Ivory Coast and either Brazil or Japan. However, with their key players rested, Norway may be in better physical condition to advance. The prospect of Haaland facing off against defenders like Gabriel in the latter stages could be a highlight of the tournament, though fans may have been disappointed to miss him in the group stage.

Key facts

The World Cup continues to deliver compelling narratives, from individual brilliance on the pitch to significant strategic decisions off it. The performances of players like Dembele and the coaching decisions surrounding teams like the USMNT and Norway will shape the tournament’s progression.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7394805/2026/06/27/dembele-ballon-dor-world-cup-pochettino/