Ousmane Dembele's first-half hat-trick sealed the deal for France as they powered past Norway 4-1 to claim top spot in World Cup Group I. The match, played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, marked the team's 100% start to the tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain's Dembele, the reigning Ballon D'Or winner, scored in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes to put France firmly in control of the match. Norway threatened a comeback with Thelo Aasgaard's goal in the 21st minute, but Dembele's third goal restored France's two-goal cushion.
The 2022 World Cup runners-up never looked like surrendering control, and Desire Doue's fourth goal in stoppage time sealed the win. Norway's Jorgen Strand Larsen missed a penalty in the 50th minute, but it was too little, too late.
Senegal stayed alive in the competition with a thrilling 5-0 win over Iraq in their final group game. The team, which has three points, must now wait for the remaining group games to play out before they can confirm their spot in the knockouts.
In the meantime, Spain will look to clinch top spot in Group H with a potentially tricky clash against Uruguay. The Uruguayans, who drew 2-2 with lowly Cape Verde in their second game, will need to take at least a point from the fixture to stay in contention for a spot in the last 32.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, will attempt to continue their fairytale campaign with a victory over Saudi Arabia. Egypt will also be looking to clinch top spot in Group G with a victory over Iran in Seattle, but the match has been laced with controversy.
Iranian and Egyptian officials have both raised objections to the Seattle Pride celebrations around the fixture, citing concerns over the celebration of homosexuality in Muslim countries. Homosexuality is illegal in Iran under Islamic law, while it is often penalized under vague laws in Egypt.
Belgium's ageing squad, featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, will attempt to reach the knockout rounds with a victory over New Zealand.
Key Facts:
- Ousmane Dembele scored a hat-trick in France's 4-1 win over Norway. - Senegal stayed alive in the tournament with a 5-0 win over Iraq. - France will face one of the eight best third-placed teams in the last 32. - Norway will face Ivory Coast in Dallas on June 30 for a spot in the last 16. - The Uruguayans will need to take at least a point from their fixture with Spain to stay in contention for a spot in the last 32. - Egyptian and Iranian officials have raised objections to the Seattle Pride celebrations around the fixture between Egypt and Iran. - Homosexuality is illegal in Iran under Islamic law, while it is often penalized under vague laws in Egypt.