France sent another powerful warning to the rest of the football world on Tuesday as Ousmane Dembélé scored a sensational hat-trick to inspire Les Bleus to a commanding victory over Norway, sealing top spot in Group I and reinforcing their status as one of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026.
After already securing qualification for the knockout rounds, Didier Deschamps’ side showed no signs of easing off, producing another clinical display that highlighted their attacking depth, tactical discipline and championship mentality.
While much of the tournament’s spotlight has been on captain Kylian Mbappé, it was Dembélé who stole the show with a dazzling performance that left Norway’s defence in ruins.
Dembélé Delivers a Masterclass
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was simply unstoppable throughout the encounter.
His movement, pace and clinical finishing caused constant problems for the Norwegian backline, and he wasted little time in making his mark on the game.
Dembélé opened the scoring with a composed finish before adding a second to put France firmly in control. He completed his hat-trick in style, capping a memorable night that will rank among the finest performances of the tournament so far.
The three-goal haul also strengthens his case in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
France Look Every Bit Like Champions
Beyond Dembélé’s brilliance, France once again demonstrated why they are widely regarded as genuine contenders for the World Cup crown.
Les Bleus controlled possession, dominated midfield and defended with authority, limiting Norway to only a handful of meaningful opportunities.
The team’s balance between attack and defence has been one of the standout features of their campaign, with experienced stars combining seamlessly with emerging talents.
Having won all three of their group-stage matches, France head into the knockout rounds with maximum points and enormous confidence.
Norway Qualify Despite Defeat
Although Norway fell short against the French, they had already done enough in previous matches to secure qualification for the Round of 32.
Despite the loss, Erling Haaland and his teammates remain capable of causing problems for any opponent in the knockout stage.
However, Norway will know they must improve defensively after struggling to contain France’s relentless attacking pressure.
France Send a Strong Message
With three wins from three matches, a free-scoring attack and one of the tournament’s most organised defences, France have emerged as one of the standout teams of the group stage.
The combination of Kylian Mbappé’s leadership, Dembélé’s explosive form and the squad’s overall depth makes Les Bleus one of the strongest contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title.
If Tuesday’s performance is any indication, France are building momentum at exactly the right time.
Result: France finish top of Group I with a perfect record and advance confidently to the Round of 32.
A Title Statement from Les Bleus
The group stage has produced several impressive teams, but few have looked as complete as France.
Three wins, commanding performances and a hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé have further strengthened the belief that Didier Deschamps’ men are serious contenders to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy once again.
For the rest of the tournament, one message is becoming increasingly clear:
France are not just through to the knockout stage—they are one of the teams to beat.
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