France Dominates Norway: Mbappé and Dembélé Shine in Group I

France did not just qualify. They imposed themselves.

A 4-1 win over Norway carried them into the Round of 32 as Group I winners, and it came with a performance that underlined why this team sits among the tournament’s heavyweights. Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouameni and Ibrahima Konaté all played their part, but this was very much the night of Ousmane Dembélé.

Mbappé’s vision, Dembélé’s ruthlessness

The tone was set almost immediately. In the 7th minute, Mbappé dropped into space, lifted his head and sliced Norway open with a perfectly weighted through ball. Dembélé did the rest, driving onto it and hammering a powerful finish past the goalkeeper. One chance, one goal, and France were in front.

Norway barely had time to reset before the same combination cut them apart again. On 20 minutes, Mbappé once more picked the lock, threading another incisive pass into Dembélé’s path. The winger, brimming with confidence, struck cleanly and precisely to double the lead. Two assists for Mbappé, two clinical finishes from Dembélé, and France were cruising.

Then came a jolt.

Barely a minute after France’s second, Aasgaard pounced to pull one back for Norway, halving the deficit and injecting a flicker of tension into the contest. For a brief spell, the game opened up, Norway sensing a route back while France searched for control.

Tchouameni steps in, Dembélé completes his treble

The response was swift and decisive. With France probing again, Tchouameni stepped into the attacking pattern, timing his pass perfectly in the 32nd minute. His ball found Dembélé in stride, and the winger completed his hat-trick of goals for the night with another assured finish to make it 3-1.

Three goals for Dembélé, three different deliveries – two from Mbappé, one from Tchouameni – and France had restored their cushion with authority. The early scare had been answered, firmly.

Konaté’s World Cup bow and the late seal

As the second half unfolded, France managed the game with the calm of a side that knew its job was nearly done. The defensive line stayed compact, the midfield controlled the tempo, and Norway’s threat faded.

On 75 minutes, there was a personal milestone. Ibrahima Konaté came off the bench to make his first appearance of this World Cup, a significant moment for the defender as he stepped into a tournament already shaped by high expectations for this French squad.

The scoreline still had one final flourish left in it. Deep into added time, Doué arrived to apply the finishing touch, making it 4-1 and removing any lingering doubt. It was a goal that reflected the night: France sharper, quicker, more decisive in both boxes.

With nine points from nine and top spot in Group I secured, France now move into the Round of 32, where one of the best third-placed teams awaits. On this evidence, whoever draws them will know exactly what they are up against: a side whose stars are not just shining, but dictating the entire stage.