Ousmane Dembélé delivered a masterclass performance in Boston, scoring a first-half hat-trick as France dismantled Norway 4-1 to secure their place in the Round of 32. The Barcelona winger's three goals came within 32 minutes, making it the second-fastest treble in World Cup history. Désiré Doué added a stoppage-time header while Mike Maignan preserved the clean sheet with a penalty save.

Norway's approach raised eyebrows as coach Stale Solbakken made ten changes and benched Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, Martin Odegaard and Antonio Nusa. Jorgen Strand Larsen struggled in place of Haaland, missing a second-half penalty that could have changed the game's momentum. The decision to rest key players backfired spectacularly against a French side that dominated throughout.

France's attacking depth continues to impress, with Mbappé providing two assists while the team scored at least three goals for the third consecutive match. The victory marked a strong statement from the 2022 World Cup finalists, who now advance as Group I winners with one of the tournament's most potent offenses.

The result exposes Norway's reliance on their star players and leaves questions about Solbakken's rotation strategy. France, meanwhile, look ready for the knockout stages with multiple players capable of deciding games.