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Kylian Mbappe, the captain of France, has made a significant mark in football history by matching Miroslav Klose's record for the second-most goal involvements in FIFA World Cup history since 1966, totaling 20 (16 goals and 4 assists). The only player ahead of him is the legendary Lionel Messi, who has 26.

Dembele's Hat-Trick Leads France to Victory

In a recent match against Norway, Mbappe, who is the second-highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history, did not score but played a crucial role by assisting Ousmane Dembele twice, according to OptaJose. Dembele's remarkable hat-trick propelled France to a decisive 4-1 win in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match held in Boston on Friday. Both teams had already secured their spots in the knockout stages after winning their first two games. France entered the match leading the group on goal difference and needed only a draw to secure the top position. However, they concluded the group stage with a resounding victory, confirming their first-place finish in Group I.

France's First-Half Scoring Surge

The Ballon d'Or winner kicked off the scoring in the 7th minute with an impressive finish and followed it up with another goal in the 20th minute, striking from outside the box. Norway quickly responded with a goal from Thelo Aasgaard in the 21st minute, narrowing the gap momentarily.

Dembele, however, restored France's lead with style, completing his hat-trick in the 32nd minute with a powerful shot, marking the first first-half hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup in the 21st century.

Second Half Seals a Convincing Win

Norway had an opportunity to get back into the game during the second half, but striker Jorgen Strand Larsen missed a penalty, adding to their woes in a challenging match.

France's Desire Doue capped off the scoring by netting the fourth goal in the 94th minute with a brilliant header, assisted by his PSG teammate Bradley Barcola from the left.

Knockout Stage Matchups Confirmed

Norway finished in second place in Group I, setting up a round-of-32 clash against the Ivory Coast in Dallas. Meanwhile, France will remain on the East Coast to face a third-place qualifier.