Ousmane Dembele delivered a standout performance as France defeated Norway 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I match on Friday. The result secured top spot for the defending champions. Meanwhile, Senegal kept their knockout stage hopes alive with a strong win in their parallel fixture.
Forward Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring in the seventh minute at Boston Stadium. He added his second goal on the 20th minute. After Norway pulled one back through Thelo Aasgaard, Dembele completed his first-half hat-trick with a curling finish in the 32nd minute. France led 3-1 at halftime.
Desire Doue sealed the victory with a header in the 94th minute. Norway rested key players, including Erling Haaland, who watched from the bench. France controlled the match throughout and finished the group stage strongly.
In the other Group I encounter, Senegal defeated Iraq convincingly. Ismaïla Sarr scored to extend their lead, and Pape Gueye netted a brace. The victory kept Senegal in contention for the knockout rounds. They now depend on other results to advance.
France topped Group I with the win. Coach Didier Deschamps praised the team’s attacking display after the match. Dembele expressed satisfaction with his contribution. The French side now prepares for the next stage with confidence.
The matches highlighted attacking talent across the group. France advanced as group winners while Senegal stayed alive for a possible qualification spot.
