26/06/2026 22:43 - Deportes
The French national team showcased their full potential in Group I of the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway at the Boston stadium. The undisputed star was Ousmane Dembélé, who netted a historic hat-trick in just 32 minutes of play.
The PSG striker opened the scoring at 6 minutes, extended the lead at 19, and completed his personal goal festival at 32 minutes, establishing the second-fastest hat-trick in World Cup history. Only Hungary's László Kiss managed a faster treble (24 minutes against El Salvador in 1982).
| Player | Minute | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Ousmane Dembélé | 6' | France |
| Ousmane Dembélé | 19' | France |
| Ousmane Dembélé | 32' | France |
| Sander Aasgard | 21' | Norway |
| Désiré Doué | 90+ | France |
One of the match's surprises was that Erling Haaland, Norway's star and Manchester City's top scorer, did not start the match. The striker remained on the bench throughout the entire game, a tactical decision by the Norwegian manager that generated significant pre-match speculation.
On the French side, head coach Didier Deschamps could not be present on the sidelines due to the passing of his mother. In his place, Guy Stéphan, his long-time assistant, took charge of the team and successfully directed the match.
With this victory, France secured the top spot in their group and sealed their passage to the Round of 16, where they will face Sweden.
The French team demonstrated why they are one of the tournament favorites with a commanding performance.
Norway finished second in the group and will face the runner-up from Group H in the Round of 16.
Despite the defeat, the Scandinavian team remains in contention to advance.
Group I of the 2026 World Cup saw France as the clear dominator, showcasing the offensive prowess that characterizes Les Bleus. The French national team aims to become the first to win two consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
Dembélé's exceptional performance positions him as a strong candidate for the Golden Boot award given to the tournament's top scorer. His speed and precision proved devastating against a Norwegian defense that struggled to contain the French attack.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, features an expanded format with 48 teams, making every match crucial for knockout stage positioning.
Source: Clarín Deportes
Alfredo S. Quiroga
