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Dembele’s Hat-Trick Propels France Past Norway in World Cup 2026

Abdul-Baasit Shaibu

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At the 2026 World Cup, France secured the top spot in Group I following a dominant 4-1 victory against Norway. The match was defined by a historic first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembele, who became one of the fastest players to achieve such a feat in the tournament's history. Despite resting star players like Erling Haaland, Norway finished second in the group and progressed to the knockout stages alongside the French side. The report also highlights a significant 5-0 win for Senegal over Iraq, which kept the African team's hopes of advancing as a high-ranking third-place finisher alive. Additionally, the coverage touches on the emotional absence of French manager Didier Deschamps, who missed the game to attend a family funeral but is expected to return for the round of 32.