FOXBOROUGH — France secured a 4-1 victory over Norway on Friday afternoon in their final Group I match of the World Cup, with winger Ousmane Dembélé scoring a first-half hat trick to lead the way. The match, held in Foxborough, also featured a much-anticipated showdown between France’s Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland, though Haaland was absent after Norway opted to rest much of their starting lineup, including the towering forward.

Despite not adding to his tournament goal tally, Mbappé’s influence on the game was evident throughout. The 27-year-old forward showcased his trademark agility and vision, consistently orchestrating France’s attacking plays from the striker position. Early in the match, Mbappé nearly scored from a tight angle, striking the crossbar and signaling France’s intent. Minutes later, he provided a precise pass that set up Dembélé’s opening goal.

Mbappé’s role went beyond goal-scoring, as he frequently maneuvered across the attacking third, drawing defenders and creating opportunities for teammates. His combination play with Dembélé was particularly effective, resulting in two assists within the first 20 minutes. France took a 2-0 lead before Norway managed to reduce the deficit with a goal by Thelo Aasgaard in the 32nd minute. However, a subsequent build-up initiated by Mbappé led to Dembélé’s third goal, restoring France’s comfortable lead.

The French team’s depth was on full display, with Dembélé joining Mbappé in a group of top scorers who have four goals each in the tournament, alongside Norway’s Haaland and Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with five goals. France’s growing momentum positions them as strong contenders for their third World Cup title.

Interim France coach Guy Stéphan, who stepped in for Didier Deschamps during the latter’s absence due to a family bereavement, praised Mbappé’s performance despite the forward not scoring. "He didn’t score today, but I do hope that the competition will still be very long for us and there’s a match to come," Stéphan said. "I’m sure that with how fast he can sprint he will find a way to send the ball into the net."

Mbappé’s World Cup journey has been marked by both triumph and heartbreak. He was a pivotal member of the victorious French team in 2018 and later recorded a historic hat trick in last year’s quarterfinals against Argentina, despite France’s eventual penalty shootout loss. As France advances to the knockout stage, the team will remain in the Boston area ahead of their next match, maintaining focus on their pursuit of tournament glory.