France turned Friday’s Group I decider into a statement performance, powered by an Ousmane Dembélé masterclass and a brilliant hat trick in a 4-1 win over Norway. The result gave Les Bleus three wins from three in the group stage — their first perfect group campaign since 1998, the year they went on to lift the trophy.
France did it without manager Didier Deschamps on the touchline after he returned home following the death of his mother, yet the display only reinforced why this squad is viewed as a leading contender. As Group I winners, Les Bleus are now likely to face Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium.
For Norway, though, the defeat was not without positives. Stale Solbakken heavily rotated his side, leaving stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard on the bench, and still watched his team create chances — including a missed penalty. Conceding four is never ideal, but Norway can take encouragement as it turns its focus to a Round of 32 meeting with Ivory Coast.
Here are my takeaways:
1. Ousmane Dembélé has finally arrived
After previously struggling to leave his mark for France on the biggest stages — going 19 major international tournament appearances without a goal — Dembélé has erupted at this World Cup. The PSG forward and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner now has four goals in the tournament, level with teammate Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot chase.
This was the kind of defining performance long expected from Dembélé. Norway repeatedly allowed him room in the penalty area, and when he shifted inside onto his slightly favored left foot, there was little anyone could do. The space was the invitation, and Dembélé punished it again and again.
His hat trick was sensational — and historic. Completed in 32 minutes, it was the second-fastest by a starter in World Cup history, trailing only Austria’s Erich Probst, who achieved the feat against Czechoslovakia in 1954.
2. Right Decision To Sit Haaland?
MAURICE VAN STEEN / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
It made sense for Solbakken to sit his regulars, including Haaland, who wanted to make sure his team was as fresh as possible for the knockout stage. But there is such a thing as momentum and confidence, so did he do the right thing?
Yes. Norway was all prepared for whatever outcome.
On Monday, after winning 3-2 against Senegal, Haaland spoke about France’s dominance, giving a refreshingly candid (if a bit flippant) answer when talking about his team’s chances against Les Bleus.
“Honestly, I don’t care too much [about the France game],” Haaland said. “We’re through, we managed to get through, which is incredible …so I couldn’t care too much about that game now. They [France] are probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament.”
It’s not a defeatist concept, it’s a realistic one. Norway is a very good team, but it does not have the depth of France, so if it loses to the likes of Haaland, then it can almost say goodbye to a strong, deep, historic run.
Besides, with a rotated squad against a giant like France, Norway still created lots of good chances and had several chances for more goals, including a missed penalty. At least that’s very encouraging.
If there is one team who can handle a loss and get right back up, it’s Norway.
3. France Shows Why It Is The Team To Beat
(Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
After the victory over Norway, the two-time World Cup champion now ends the group stage in perfect fashion, winning all three matches. This might be a good omen as the last time it achieved this was in 1998, when it won the competition.
Naturally, in 2018, it also won the tournament and, at that time, it didn’t win all three group stage matches. However, this summer, to me – as I have said from day one – France is looking stronger and stronger because the entire squad knows its role.
How do you even stop this team when you have Mbappé up top, Michael Olise right under him, Désiré Doué on the left … oh, and if you choose to focus on the right wing, there’s Dembélé?
This type of devastating attacking talent should not even be legal. The embarrassment of riches is honestly overwhelming for any team at this tournament.
Yes, it’s still trying to figure out things defensively – France was caught sleeping in Norway’s lone goal – but you can’t deny the attacking might of France far outweighs any defensive vulnerability.
4. An Emotional Day With Deschamps Absent
(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Didier Deschamps is one of the longest serving managers in international football, having been in charge of France since 2012. But his presence was missed in the game after he returned to France following his mother’s death, which gave Friday an important meaning.
“On behalf of the entire France team, France’s family, we extend our condolences to the coach and his family,” said midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni prior to the match, speaking from the team’s camp. “This is a difficult time for everyone. We tried to make things seem normal, but we have a mission, and we want to make him proud.”
And the Real Madrid midfielder did exactly that, playing a very strong performance in the midfield under the guidance of assistant manager Guy Stephan.
“He gave us a mission, both the staff and the players. Guy will follow the coach’s instructions. We will continue to respect our playing principles. We are confident that we will do everything we can to win.”
Norway vs France Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™
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