Dembele's Hat-Trick Propels France to Top of Group I; Uruguay Eliminated
Group G, H, and I concluded with France, Belgium, and Spain securing top spots, while Cape Verde and Egypt advanced, and Uruguay faced elimination.
The story
Ousmane Dembele delivered a stunning performance in Foxborough, Massachusetts, scoring a hat-trick to lead France to a dominant 4-1 victory over Norway in Group I. Dembele opened his account in the 7th minute, followed by another spectacular strike in the 20th minute, and completed his treble by the 32nd minute, marking the second-fastest World Cup hat-trick of all time.
Norway's Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back in the 21st minute, but France sealed their perfect group stage run with a late goal from Desire Doue in the 90+4th minute. The win ensured France topped Group I with a flawless record, while Norway also progressed to the knockout stage.
Yesterday's results
Norway vs France
Score: 1-4
Key: Ousmane Dembele scored a hat-trick for France (7', 20', 32'), with Thelo Aasgaard (21') scoring for Norway. Desire Doue added a fourth for France (90+4').
Senegal vs Iraq
Score: 5-0
Key: Senegal secured a decisive victory to keep their knockout hopes alive, with Papa Gueye scoring a notable goal.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Score: 0-0
Key: A goalless draw saw Cape Verde qualify as Group H runners-up, a historic achievement for the nation.
Uruguay vs Spain
Score: 0-1
Key: Alex Baena's goal secured top spot for Spain in Group H, leading to Uruguay's elimination from the tournament.
Egypt vs Iran
Score: 1-1
Key: Mahmoud Saber (5') put Egypt ahead, but Ramin Rezaeian (14') equalized for Iran after a penalty save from Mostafa Shobeir. Egypt advanced as runners-up.
New Zealand vs Belgium
Score: 1-5
Key: Leandro Trossard (28', 50') scored a brace, supported by goals from Kevin De Bruyne (66'), Romelu Lukaku (86'), and Alexis Saelemaekers (90+4'). Elijah Just (84') scored for New Zealand. Belgium topped Group G.
Where it stands
The group stage concluded for Groups G, H, and I. In Group I, France finished top with 9 points, followed by Norway with 6 points, both qualifying.
Senegal, with 3 points and a +2 goal difference, secured a spot as one of the best third-placed teams. In Group H, Spain claimed the top spot with 7 points, and Cape Verde advanced as runners-up with 3 points.
Uruguay, with 2 points, was eliminated. Group G saw Belgium top the table on goal difference with 7 points, after their significant 5-1 win over New Zealand.
Egypt secured second place with 5 points, while Iran finished third with 3 points and awaits confirmation of their knockout fate based on other groups' results. New Zealand was eliminated. Groups J, K, and L are set to play their final group stage matches today and tomorrow, which will finalize the Round of 32 bracket.
Off the pitch
| Player | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goncalo Ramos | Paris Saint-Germain | AC Milan | Club-record fee |
| Elliot Anderson | Nottingham Forest | Manchester City | £116m |
| Alejo Veliz | Tottenham | Bahia | Just under £8m |
What we'll be watching
- Croatia vs Ghana [World Cup, Group L] — June 28, 01:00 UTC, Philadelphia
- Panama vs England [World Cup, Group L] — June 28, 01:00 UTC, New Jersey
- Colombia vs Portugal [World Cup, Group K] — June 28, 04:30 UTC, Miami
- DR Congo vs Uzbekistan [World Cup, Group K] — June 28, 04:30 UTC, Atlanta
- Algeria vs Austria [World Cup, Group J] — June 28, 06:00 UTC, Kansas City
- Jordan vs Argentina [World Cup, Group J] — June 28, 06:00 UTC, Arlington
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.