Dembele unsatisfied despite hat-trick against Norway
US. Dembele scored three, helped France beat Norway 4-1 to top World Cup 2026 Group I. Still preferred performance against Senegal.
"Special moment. Played well today, but prefer Senegal match. Had more influence on team play," Dembele said after win at Gillette Stadium, Boston, June 26.
Ousmane Dembele (left) celebrates goal with Kylian Mbappe. France beat Norway 4-1, final round World Cup 2026 Group I, Foxborough Stadium, Boston, US, June 26, 2026. Photo: AP
Dembele meant only group stage match where he did not score. In opening 3-1 win over Senegal, had 40 touches, two shots (one on target), nine carries, three ball recoveries. Replaced by Bradley Barcola, minute 80.
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Later, Dembele scored one in 3-0 win over Iraq, then got hat-trick in 4-1 win over Norway. Dembele third French player with World Cup hat-trick, after Kylian Mbappe (vs Argentina 2022), Just Fontaine (vs Paraguay, West Germany 1958).
PSG forward heated up World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race. Reached four goals, level with teammate Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius. Trailed only Lionel Messi (five goals).
*Dembele opened scoring for France.
Round of 16, France likely face Sweden. Dembele expected tough challenge: "Difficult match. Knockouts, anything happens. Must stay focused."
Norway win dedicated to coach Didier Deschamps, absent for mother's funeral. Assistant Guy Stephan, stand-in coach, said players motivated for strong performance.
"Thoughts with Didier. Will call him post-match. Glad Didier returns soon, joins training tomorrow afternoon," Stephan said.
*France sealed 4-1 victory.
Pleased with win, 68-year-old assistant noted improvements needed before knockouts. Team lost focus after early lead, allowed Norway counter-attacks. Stephan noted Norway changed 10 starters to rest for knockouts, warned France against complacency despite big win.
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