FIFA World Cup 2026: Dembele Hat-Trick Fires France Past Norway

Dembele Steals the Show as France Dismantles Norway

The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign delivered one of its most eye-catching individual performances when Ousmane Dembele completed a hat-trick to hand France a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway. The result underlines France's status as one of the strongest sides in contention for next year's tournament, with Dembele's clinical finishing the clear highlight of a dominant display.

Norway, despite fielding attacking talent of their own, were unable to contain France's pace and movement across the pitch. The single goal they managed offered only brief consolation in a match that France controlled for long stretches. The scoreline reflects the gulf that existed between the two sides on the night.

For Dembele, the hat-trick represents a statement performance at the international level. The Paris Saint-Germain winger has at times divided opinion during his club career, but performances like this reinforce why France's coaching staff continue to build attacking plans around him.

Senegal Demolish Iraq in Five-Goal Rout

In the other headline result, Senegal produced a ruthless attacking display to beat Iraq 5-0. The margin of victory places Senegal among the tournament's form sides and sends a clear signal to rivals in their qualifying group.

The Africa Cup of Nations champions have consistently shown they can translate club-level quality into cohesive international performances, and the five-goal haul against Iraq was further evidence of that. Iraq, for their part, had little answer to Senegal's pressing and finishing.

Busy Schedule Continues With Eight More Nations in Action

The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying schedule shows no sign of slowing down. Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Spain, New Zealand, Belgium, Egypt, and Iran are all set to play their respective fixtures as the global push for spots at the 2026 tournament intensifies.

Spain and Belgium, both among Europe's top-ranked sides, will be expected to pick up points, while Uruguay carry South American weight into their fixture. For teams like Cape Verde and New Zealand, every qualifying match carries significant weight given the smaller margins for error in their respective confederations.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will feature 48 nations. That expansion has opened additional qualifying berths across confederations, giving more teams a realistic path to the finals, but competition remains fierce across all regions.

Results from today's fixtures will be updated as they come in, with the qualifying picture continuing to take shape across Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania.