France sealed top spot in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Norway, inspired by a sensational first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé, while Senegal produced a record-breaking 5-0 demolition of Iraq to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Dembélé stole the spotlight by scoring three times within 25 minutes, becoming only the third French player to register a World Cup hat-trick after Just Fontaine and Kylian Mbappé. His clinical display guided Les Bleus to a flawless group-stage campaign with three wins from three matches.
Norway managed a consolation goal through Thelo Aasgaard, but Désiré Doué added a late fourth to complete France’s dominant performance. Despite the defeat, Norway progressed to the Round of 32 as Group I runners-up.
Elsewhere, Senegal delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable performances, crushing Iraq 5-0 in Toronto. The West African side took control early after Iraq were reduced to 10 men following Rebin Sulaka’s red card.
Senegal raced into the lead through Diarra before Pape Gueye struck twice, including a spectacular long-range effort. Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye also found the net as the Lions of Teranga overwhelmed their opponents from start to finish.
The victory marked the first time an African nation had scored five goals in a FIFA World Cup match, significantly strengthening Senegal’s chances of advancing to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
France now head into the knockout phase as one of the tournament favourites, buoyed by Dembélé’s outstanding form and their impressive attacking depth. Senegal, meanwhile, await confirmation of their qualification after a historic and commanding display.
With Group I concluded, France finished as group winners, Norway claimed second place, while Senegal’s remarkable victory kept their World Cup dream alive and ended Iraq’s campaign in disappointing fashion.
