Dembele’s defining performance
Ousmane Dembele delivered a historic performance for France, scoring a first-half hat-trick in their 4-1 victory over Norway. This defining display secured France’s top spot in World Cup Group I. The win on Friday, June 26, 2026, saw France, the 2018 world champions and 2022 runners-up, advance to the Round of 32 with considerable momentum.
Dembele’s three goals came within 25 minutes during the first half, marking a significant moment in his international career. His talent, characterized by blistering pace, two-footed dribbling, and an ability to break down defenses, had always been recognized, but his international career had previously been hampered by injuries and inconsistency. This performance, however, showcased his full potential and leadership on the field.
The match was initially anticipated as a showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. However, with Haaland rested, Dembele seized the opportunity to become the focal point of France’s attack. His hat-trick was only the sixth first-half hat-trick in men’s World Cup history and the first since 1994.
Norway’s strategic rests
Norway’s coach, Stale Solbakken, made a strategic decision to rest several key players, including star striker Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard. Only one player from the starting lineup against Senegal earlier in the week featured in the match against France. This decision was made despite both teams having already qualified for the next round of the tournament.
Solbakken described the choice to rest his key players as a “no-brainer.” He emphasized that the primary goal for Norway was to progress as far as possible in the World Cup, and preserving his main players for the knockout stages was crucial. He acknowledged that fans in Norway and at the venue might have wanted to see Haaland and Odegaard play, but reiterated that a longer tournament run was the priority.
By taking first place in the group, France is expected to face Sweden in the first knockout round. Meanwhile, second-placed Norway will play against Ivory Coast. France’s desire to top the group was also influenced by the prospect of a more favorable travel schedule in the North American tournament.
Match details and historical context
France started the match aggressively, with Kylian Mbappe hitting the bar within 20 seconds of kickoff. Six minutes later, Mbappe provided a cross-field pass to Dembele, who cut inside and then outside a defender before scoring past goalkeeper Egil Selvik. Mbappe assisted Dembele again in the 20th minute, allowing the Paris St Germain forward to score with a dipping shot.
Norway managed to pull a goal back through Thelo Aasgaard shortly after Dembele’s second goal. However, Dembele completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute, curling a low shot into the bottom corner. This made him only the third France player to score a World Cup treble, joining Just Fontaine and Mbappe.
The hat-trick was the second-earliest ever scored at a World Cup, following Erich Probst’s three goals for Austria in 1954. Jorgen Strand Larsen had an opportunity to bring Norway back into the game in the second half, but his penalty was saved by Mike Maignan. Oscar Bobb also forced a save from Maignan, highlighting some vulnerabilities in France’s defense. Desire Doue scored France’s fourth goal with a header from a cross by substitute Bradley Barcola in the closing moments of the match.
France’s players were motivated to perform well as a tribute to coach Didier Deschamps, who had returned home from the U.S. to attend his mother’s funeral. Assistant coach Guy Stephan stated that the team wanted to be there for Didier and perform to the task. Deschamps is scheduled to rejoin the squad on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to prepare for the next phase of the tournament.
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Source: thehindu.com
