France delivered one of their most convincing performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Norway 4-1 to finish top of Group I, while ending a remarkable streak that had lasted two decades.
Before Friday’s victory, Les Bleus had not won their final group-stage match at a major tournament since 2006, despite reaching three major international finals during that period. The emphatic triumph not only secured first place in the group but also sent a clear message to their rivals that France remains one of the strongest contenders for the world title.
The French players entered the match determined to deliver a victory for head coach Didier Deschamps, who was absent after returning to France following the passing of his mother.
Finishing atop the group also provides France with a logistical advantage, allowing them to remain in the same region of the United States for the knockout phase—an important benefit in a tournament that now stretches across eight matches over five weeks for teams targeting World Cup glory.
Although Norway surprisingly left Erling Haaland on the bench, denying fans the anticipated duel with Kylian Mbappé, the France captain immediately demonstrated his intent.
Just 20 seconds after kick-off, Mbappé burst down the right flank before unleashing a powerful strike that crashed against the crossbar and bounced on the goal line.
The evening, however, belonged to Ousmane Dembélé. Fresh from winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, the French winger produced a sensational first-half hat-trick to silence any remaining critics regarding his international performances.
His opener arrived in the seventh minute after Mbappé delivered a perfectly weighted pass, allowing Dembélé to beat defender Fredrik Bjørkan before powering home.
The Paris-born forward struck again in the 20th minute, once more dribbling past Bjørkan before finishing clinically to double France’s advantage.
Norway briefly responded just one minute later through Thelo Aasgaard, who capitalised on a lapse in concentration from the French defence to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
France quickly regained complete control, with Dembélé completing his hat-trick in the 32nd minute after once again getting the better of Bjørkan. The treble made him only the third French player to score a World Cup hat-trick, following Just Fontaine (1958) and Kylian Mbappé (2022).
The second half proved more competitive as Norway attempted to mount a comeback.
Shortly after the restart, Oscar Bobb dazzled with an impressive run before being brought down inside the penalty area by Theo Hernandez, leaving the referee with no hesitation in awarding a spot-kick.
However, goalkeeper Mike Maignan came to France’s rescue, producing a superb save to deny Jørgen Strand Larsen and preserve his side’s two-goal cushion.
Norway continued to create opportunities throughout the second period, while France also threatened through Mbappé, Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki, and Bradley Barcola, but neither side managed to add to the score until deep into stoppage time.
With the match entering its final moments, Désiré Doué put the result beyond doubt by unleashing a thunderous strike in the 90+4th minute, sealing an emphatic 4-1 victory and putting the finishing touch on an outstanding French display.
The victory sees France finish as Group I winners, ending their long-standing final group-match drought while reinforcing their credentials as one of the favourites to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Les Bleus will now turn their attention to the Round of 32, where they will continue their World Cup campaign at MetLife Stadium in New York, carrying momentum and growing confidence into the knockout stage.
Credit Photo : FFF
