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.
Iran, Oman and the U.S. are reportedly close to a Strait of Hormuz agreement tha...
Fresh U.S. airstrikes in Iran reportedly killed 14 people, prompting Iranian ret...
President Donald Trump claimed he is Iran’s “No. 1 target” after security measur...
Three people were killed in U.S. strikes in western Iran as tensions escalated f...
President Donald Trump said the Iran ceasefire is “over” following fresh U.S. st...