World Cup

Norway vs France LIVE Updates: Dembélé’s hat trick puts France ahead in the second half (1-3) with Haaland on the bench

Dembélé scored a hat trick in the first half
© Buda Mendes/Getty ImagesDembélé scored a hat trick in the first half

With most groups already decided in the first round of the 2026 World Cup, Group I is set for a great match as Norway and France meet to decide who finishes first. In the first half, France dominated possession and constantly created danger, going into halftime 3-1 ahead, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring a hat trick against a Norway side that rotated almost the entire lineup.

For Norway, the return to this competition has been perfect, as they have won both of their matches. The high expectations around Erling Haaland have been met, with the striker scoring four goals. Unfortunately for his fans, they won’t be seeing him nor Martin Ødegaard, as both are on the bench to get some rest.

France have also been very strong, with two victories that have already taken them into the next round. Their main star has been just as impressive, with Kylian Mbappé also reaching four goals.

Jørgen Strand Larsen penalty miss for Norway

49' Jørgen Strand Larsen takes a right-footed penalty to the left of the goalkeeper, but Mike Maignan saves it comfortably.

Penalty for Norway due to foul by Lucas Hernández on Oscar Bobb

48' Penalty awarded to Norway after Lucas Hernández fouls Oscar Bobb inside the box.

Second half begins

The second half gets underway.

Double substitution for Norway: Thorsby and Holmgren Pedersen in

45' Kristian Thorstvedt comes off for Morten Thorsby and Fredrik André Bjørkan is replaced by Marcus Holmgren Pedersen.

Half-time

45+5' The referee blows the whistle for half-time.

First-half stoppage time

45' The referee adds five minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Manu Koné chance for France

44' Manu Koné combines with Kylian Mbappé, then tries to dribble past the goalkeeper, but Egil Selvik reads it well and wins the ball.

Corner for Norway blocked by France

42' Norway take a corner from the left. The cross is headed, but Dayot Upamecano clears it. France start a counterattack, but Ousmane Dembélé’s low cross is blocked.

Désiré Doué chance for France

41' Norway lose the ball playing out from the back, and Désiré Doué gets it inside the penalty area. He tries to dribble past the goalkeeper, but Egil Selvik reads it well and wins the ball.

France control possession against Norway

38' France dominates with 63% of possession, controlling the tempo of the match.

Aurélien Tchouaméni chance for France

34' Ousmane Dembélé receives the ball on the right, cuts inside toward the middle, and lays it back to Aurélien Tchouaméni at the edge of the box, but his shot goes high over the bar.

GOAAAAAAL! Ousmane Dembélé scores for France

32' Ousmane Dembélé receives the ball inside the box on the right, cuts inside toward the middle, and finishes with his left foot into the corner for the goal.

Norway control of possession against France

30' Norway keeps possession for several minutes, while France stays compact.

Match resumes

26' The match restarts after the hydration break.

Hydration break

23' The match is temporarily stopped for a hydration break.

GOAAAAAAL! Thelo Aasgaard scores for Norway

20' A quick passing combination from the kickoff leaves Thelo Aasgaard on the edge of the box. He feints past Dayot Upamecano and fires a right-footed shot low into the corner past Mike Maignan.

GOAAAAAAL! Ousmane Dembélé scores for France

19' Michael Olise leads a counterattack and passes to Kylian Mbappé, who opens play to Ousmane Dembélé on the right. Dembélé cuts inside and shoots from outside the box with his left foot, placing it into the corner for the goal.

Kylian Mbappé denied by Egil Selvik for France

16' Désiré Doué assists Kylian Mbappé on the left. Mbappé cuts inside and shoots with his right foot toward the near post, but Egil Selvik makes the save.

Jørgen Strand Larsen chance for Norway

14' Jørgen Strand Larsen gets a bouncing ball inside the box, but his right-footed shot goes well over the bar.

Michael Olise chance blocked by Norway

12' France recover the ball high up the pitch. Kylian Mbappé plays a pass to Michael Olise on the left, who drives into the box and shoots across goal. The attempt is blocked by Leo Østigård.

Oscar Bobb tries from distance for Norway

10' Oscar Bobb strikes from long range, but Mike Maignan makes a comfortable save.

Patrick Berg booked for Norway

9' Patrick Berg is shown the yellow card for Norway.

GOAAAAAAL! Ousmane Dembélé scores for France

6' Kylian Mbappé plays a brilliant through ball to Ousmane Dembélé on the right. Dembélé cuts inside, then shifts the ball back onto his right before placing his finish inside the far post.

Manu Koné tests the Norway goalkeeper for France

3' Manu Koné controls a loose ball on his chest at the edge of the box before firing a shot that is well saved by Egil Selvik.

Kylian Mbappé hits the crossbar for France

1' Kylian Mbappé breaks free down the right and unleashes a powerful shot that strikes the crossbar and bounces near the goal line.

Kickoff

The match between Norway and France begins.

The referees

The referees for this match are Michael Oliver (main referee, England), Stuart Burt (assistant referee 1, England), James Mainwaring (assistant referee 2, England), Ma Ning (fourth official, China), Zhou Fei (reserve assistant referee, China), Jarred Gillett (video assistant referee, Australia) and David Coote (assistant video assistant referee, England).

Their group

These teams are in Group I with Senegal and Iraq. France are first with 6 points and a +5 goal difference, while Norway are second with 6 points and a +4 goal difference. Senegal are third with 0 points and a -3 goal difference, while Iraq are last with 0 points and a -6 goal difference.

France's list

Norway's list

Confirmed lineups

Norway: Selvik, Ostigard, Bjorkan, Falchener, Berg, Aursnes, Thorstvedt, Aasgaard, Schjelderup, Bobb, Stran Larsen.
France: Maignan, Kounde, Lacroix, Upamecano, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Kone; Dembele, Olise, Doue, Mbappe.

The stadium

The venue for this match is Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States. It has a capacity of 65,878.

Welcome!

Welcome to live coverage of the match between Norway and France.

200+ Channels & Local Sports
  • Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
  • Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
  • Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
  • Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
  • Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
  • Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
  • Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
  • 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season

EDITORS’ PICKS