Paris Saint-Germain star and French forward Ousmane Dembélé delivered a sensational performance for Les Bleus, scoring a hat-trick in just 35 minutes during France’s Group Stage match against Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dembélé opened the scoring early, added a second, and completed his hat-trick with a curling finish before the break, powering France to a commanding lead. The explosive display marked a historic moment, as he became the first player to achieve a World Cup hat-trick within 35 minutes since 1994.
The 29-year-old winger’s breakout comes after a long wait for major tournament goals. Dembélé had previously registered zero goals across 19 appearances in World Cups and European Championships. In the space of one week at this tournament, he has now scored four World Cup goals, including one in France’s earlier victory over Iraq.
“This is the Ousmane we all know is capable of,” said France head coach Didier Deschamps. “His speed, skill, and clinical finishing today were world-class. He’s been knocking on the door, and now he’s arrived on the biggest stage.”
Dembélé, a key member of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad and 2022 runners-up team, has enjoyed a stellar club season with PSG and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous attackers in world football. His performance against Norway further cements France as one of the top favorites to lift the trophy in 2026.
Fans and pundits worldwide have hailed the performance as a long-overdue breakthrough for the talented forward, who has battled injuries in the past but is now showcasing his full potential.