Norway's forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland hugs France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between Norway and France at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 26, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick as France powered past Norway 4-1 to clinch top spot in World Cup Group I on Friday as Senegal kept their hopes of a last-32 spot alive with a thumping victory over Iraq.
Paris Saint-Germain’s reigning Ballon D’Or winner Dembele scored in the 7th, 20th and 32nd minutes as France maintained their 100 percent start to the tournament with another dazzling attacking display.
The pre-match hype around Friday’s game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, had focused on a duel between France striker Kylian Mbappe and Norwegian counterpart Erling Haaland.
But that much-anticipated showdown never materialised after Norway opted to leave Manchester City star Haaland on the bench.
