France forward Ousmane Dembélé scores a first-half hat-trick in France’s 4-1 group-stage victory over Norway on June 26, helping the team finish top of Group I. Multiple outlets describe Dembélé’s treble as a World Cup record, noting that he nets three goals early in the match—reported as within about the first 32 minutes—making it the first first-half hat-trick at a World Cup since 1994, and also the fastest first-half hat-trick since 1956 in one account. Other coverage adds that the performance sets additional tournament marks, including France-related timing and hat-trick succession records, with some outlets highlighting comparisons to past players.
France adds another goal through Desire Doué, and one report says Dembélé’s goals include one assisted by Kylian Mbappé. After the match, Dembélé responds to questions about the significance of the feat, with several sources saying he downplays whether it is his best overall performance for France or the tournament so far, pointing instead to other matches. Some outlets also feature reactions from Dembélé’s family and discussion of his rising goal-scoring standing.
