Ananya Lohia , Mexico - France national football team secured top spot in Group I with a dominant 4-1 victory over Norway national football team at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday. Ousmane Dembele stole the show with a stunning hat-trick, while Desire Doue added a late goal to seal an emphatic win.
France made a flying start and nearly took the lead within seconds when Kylian Mbappe struck the crossbar just 25 seconds into the contest. The pressure eventually paid off as Dembele produced a clinical display, scoring three goals in just 32 minutes to put the match beyond Norway's reach. Norway, who made 10 changes to their starting lineup, left star striker Erling Haaland on the bench despite the much-anticipated build-up around a potential showdown with Mbappe.
Thelonious Aasgaard scored Norway's only goal, but the Scandinavian side struggled to match France's intensity throughout the game. Doue capped off a memorable night for France by finding the net in the closing stages, completing a comprehensive victory for the former world champions.
The win ensures France finish as Group I winners heading into the Round of 32, while Norway also advance to the knockout stage despite the defeat. France will take confidence from another commanding performance as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.
Ireland recorded a historic 34-run victory over reigning World Champions at Belfast on Friday.
The knockout stage of the World Cup is set to begin with several intriguing matchups, including a tactical showdown between the Netherlands and Morocco and a high-profile clash between Japan and Brazil.
Shreyas Iyer is all set to usher in a new era as India's T20 captain.
Shafali Verma starred with a blistering 53 off 34 balls to help India to secure a crucial five- wicket victory over Bangladesh.
India faces a high-stakes must-win Group A clash against Bangladesh today June 25 2026 at Old Trafford Manchester.
Brazil captured the top spot in Group C with a victory over Scotland at Miami Stadium.
Ronaldo became the first football player to score in six different edition of the men's FIFA World Cup.
Former India cricket captain Rohit Sharma was officially conferred with the Padma Shri Award for his outstanding contribution to Indian Cricket.
Yes, Lionel Messi is actively on track to claim the final individual missing piece of his legendary resume- the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot.
Former Wimbledon Champion Vondrousova has been handed a four year suspension by the ITIA for refusing to submit an out-of-competition doping sample.
The Lionel Messi vs. Kylian Mbappe rivalry has reignited on the international stage, transforming the tournament into a thrilling duel of records.
15- year- old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi officially received his maiden Team India jersey, realizing his childhood dream.
Michael Owen backs Ronaldo to silence critics after Portugal flop.
Kapp Stars as South Africa Beat India.
The Indian women's hockey team clinched the FIH Nations Cup title after defeating New Zealand 2-0 in the final on Sunday, securing promotion to the FIH Pro League.
Ghaziabad Murder Accused Killed in Police Encounter
Hopes for a breakthrough in US-Iran negotiations were put on hold after Presiden...
DK Shivakumar Set to Take Oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3
Sehwag Trolls Sai Sudharsan After Back-to-Back Hit-Wicket Dismissals in IPL Play...
India has confirmed signing a BrahMos missile agreement with Vietnam, marking a...