NORTH AMERICA — France solidified their position at the summit of Group I in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, delivering a dominant 4-1 performance against Norway. The victory saw the 2018 world champions complete a flawless group stage campaign, winning all three matches for the first time since their triumphant 1998 tournament.
Norway entered the fixture having made ten changes to their starting XI, a gamble that nearly proved costly within the opening seconds. Kylian Mbappé signaled France's intent almost immediately, striking the underside of the crossbar in the first minute. The pressure eventually yielded results when Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring with a clinical right-footed finish.
Dembélé Hat-Trick + Maignan Penalty Save Seal Group I
• Result: France 4-1 Norway, top Group I with 3/3 wins
• Dembélé: Hat-trick - right foot, left foot, far corner
• Maignan: First GK to save penalty at WC 2026
• Next: France await R32 opponent. Norway face Ivory Coast
Read Also: Mbappé Brace Fires France into World Cup Round of 32
Despite a missed opportunity from Norway’s Jørgen Strand Larsen, France extended their lead through another Dembélé effort. Norway responded swiftly, with Thelo Aasgaard narrowing the deficit to 2-1 almost immediately following the restart. However, Dembélé restored the two-goal advantage before halftime, securing his hat-trick with a precise left-footed strike that curled into the far corner.
The second half featured a pivotal moment from French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in the 2026 tournament after Theo Hernández fouled Oscar Bobb in the box. Maignan’s denial of Strand Larsen effectively extinguished Norway's hopes of a comeback. Désiré Doué added a fourth goal for France in stoppage time to cap off the victory.
While the defeat brings an end to Norway’s unbeaten run only their second loss in their last 19 internationals they had already secured their progression to the knockout stages. They now prepare to face Ivory Coast in the Round of 32. France, meanwhile, awaits the conclusion of other group fixtures to determine their next opponents, entering the knockout phase with significant momentum.
