World Cup: Dembele’s Hat-trick Helps France Thrash Second-String Norway

Dembele was transformed into a Ballon d'Or winner after Luis Enrique, his coach at PSG, moved him from the wing into a central role.

France’s forward Ousmane Dembele reacts during the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between Norway and France at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 26, 2026

Erling Haaland remained on the bench for the secon half of the match as Ousmane Dembélé delivered a stunning first-half hat-trick to inspire France national football team to a commanding victory over Norway national football team.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward opened the scoring in the seventh minute at Gillette Stadium before adding a second in the 20th minute.

Norway briefly reduced the deficit through Thelo Aasgaard, but Dembélé completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute to restore France's two-goal advantage and cap a sensational opening half.

Dembélé's feat placed him among an exclusive group of players to score a first-half World Cup hat-trick. The only player to have completed a hat-trick earlier in a World Cup match remains Erich Probst, who scored three goals within the opening 24 minutes for Austria national football team against Czechoslovakia national football team during the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

"Following his outstanding performance, some fans believe Dembélé is on course to win a second Ballon d'Or."