Unstoppable Dembele: Half-hour hat-trick sinks Norway

France stormed into the knockout rounds with a commanding 4‑1 win over Norway, driven by a blistering first‑half hat‑trick from Ousmane Dembele. Gillette Stadium erupted from the opening seconds as France struck the woodwork twice before capitalising on a defensive error. Leo Ostigard’s misplaced pass allowed Kylian Mbappe to surge forward and set the tone for a relentless French display.

The breakthrough arrived in the seventh minute when Mbappe released Dembele, who cut inside and fired into the top corner. Norway briefly threatened through Thelonious Aasgaard, whose composed finish made it 2‑1, but Dembele’s precision ensured control. He struck twice more, both from the right, completing his treble inside 32 minutes.

After the interval, Norway pushed back, earning a penalty that Mike Maignan superbly saved from Strand Larsen. France sealed the result in stoppage time when Desire Doue rose to head in Bradley Barcola’s cross, confirming a perfect group‑stage campaign.