World Cup 2026: Dembele Makes History with Hat-Trick as France Thrash Norway

Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick as France defeated Norway 4-1, becoming the second-fastest player to score a World Cup hat-trick and sending Les Bleus into the knockout stage.

France forward Ousmane Dembele etched his name into FIFA World Cup history on Friday after scoring a sensational first-half hat-trick in France’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Norway in their final Group I match.

The Paris Saint-Germain winger delivered a devastating attacking display, netting three goals within the opening 32 minutes to inspire the former world champions to another dominant victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Desire Doue added France’s fourth goal to complete an impressive performance as Didier Deschamps’ side secured maximum points and continued their unbeaten run in the tournament.

According to football statistics platform OptaJoe, Dembele’s remarkable feat made him the second-fastest player ever to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup match.

The French international reached the milestone after just 32 minutes, trailing only Austria’s Erich Probst, who completed a hat-trick within 24 minutes against Czechoslovakia during the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

The achievement further underlines Dembele’s outstanding form at the tournament, where he has now scored four goals in just three appearances.

Before his latest heroics, the Ballon d’Or winner had found the net during France’s convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq in their second group fixture, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s leading scorers.

His latest performance also strengthens his chances in the race for the Golden Boot as the competition enters the knockout phase.

France’s commanding display against Norway ensured they advanced confidently into the Round of 32, where they are scheduled to face Sweden on Tuesday.

The victory reinforced France’s status as one of the favourites for the title, with Dembele emerging as a key figure in their quest for another World Cup triumph.

Having overcome Norway with clinical finishing and attacking flair, Les Bleus will now shift their attention to the knockout rounds, where every match becomes decisive.

Dembele is expected to spearhead France’s attack once again against Sweden as they seek to extend their impressive World Cup campaign.

With four goals already to his name and confidence soaring, the French star will be hoping to continue his prolific form and help guide his country deeper into the tournament while pursuing individual honours in the race for the competition’s Golden Boot.