Image: from Standard Sport X @standardsport
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
TORONTO, June 26, 2026, France secured first place in Group I with a convincing 4,1 victory over Norway on Friday, inspired by a brilliant first-half hat trick from Ousmane Dembélé.
The reigning European powerhouse completed a perfect group stage campaign with three victories from three matches, finishing with nine points to advance confidently to the Round of 32.
Dembélé dominates the opening half
France wasted little time asserting control as Dembélé opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a clinical finish.
The Parisian attacker doubled the advantage in the 20th minute after another flowing French move, but Norway responded almost immediately. Just one minute later, Johan Hove Aasgaard pulled a goal back to briefly revive the Scandinavian side’s hopes.
Any thoughts of a Norwegian comeback were quickly extinguished as Dembélé completed his hat trick in the 32nd minute, capping a dazzling individual performance before halftime.
Norway misses chance to fight back
Norway had an opportunity to reduce the deficit early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute.
However, Jørgen Strand Larsen failed to convert from the spot, with France maintaining its comfortable two-goal cushion.
The missed penalty proved costly as France remained in complete control throughout the remainder of the match.
Deep into stoppage time, Désiré Doué added the fourth goal, sealing an emphatic 4,1 victory and underlining France’s status as one of the tournament favorites.
Knockout stage confirmed
France finishes the group stage with a perfect nine points, winning all three matches and claiming first place in Group I.
Norway advances as group runner-up with six points and will face the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.
In the other Group I fixture, Senegal defeated Iraq 5,0 to finish third and remain in contention for one of the tournament’s best third-placed qualification spots.
Match Moment
Dembélé’s third goal in the 32nd minute effectively decided the contest. After Norway had briefly reduced the deficit, the French forward restored his side’s commanding lead with an excellent finish, completing a memorable first-half hat trick.
Player of the Match
Ousmane Dembélé was simply unstoppable. His first-half goals showcased his pace, movement, and clinical finishing, leading France to another dominant victory and confirming his outstanding form ahead of the knockout stage.