France Dominates Norway to Reach Round of 32

France did not just qualify. They imposed themselves.

With Kylian Mbappé dictating the tempo, Aurélien Tchouameni knitting play in midfield and Ibrahima Konaté stepping in late to close the door, France brushed aside Norway to seal top spot in Group I and book their place in the Round of 32.

The tone was set almost immediately. In the 7th minute, Mbappé dropped into the pocket, spotted the run, and sliced Norway open with a perfectly weighted through ball. Ousmane Dembélé did the rest, surging onto the pass and lashing a powerful finish beyond the goalkeeper. One chance, one goal, and France were in front.

Norway barely had time to reset before they were undone again. On 20 minutes, Mbappé once more turned provider, this time feeding Dembélé in space. The winger’s finish was different but just as ruthless, a precise strike that doubled the lead and underlined the gulf in quality in the final third.

The response from Norway was immediate. A minute later, Aasgaard pounced to pull one back, a reminder that France could not simply cruise through the evening. For a brief spell, the contest opened up, tackles sharpened, and the stadium noise rose. Norway sensed a way back.

Tchouameni shut that door.

On 32 minutes, the midfielder stepped up with the kind of pass usually reserved for the forwards. Timing his ball to perfection, he slipped Dembélé in again. The finish for 1-3 completed Dembélé’s hat-trick of goals and restored France’s two-goal cushion, killing the Norwegian momentum just as it threatened to grow.

From there, France managed the game with authority. The back line held firm, the midfield dictated where the match was played, and Norway were reduced to half-chances and hopeful breaks. When Konaté entered in the 75th minute for his first appearance of this World Cup, it felt symbolic: fresh legs, fresh leadership, and another layer of security at the back as France saw the result out.

The final word belonged to the substitutes. Deep into added time, Doué arrived to stamp the scoreline with a flourish, making it 1-4 and turning a controlled performance into a statement victory.

Nine points from nine. Top of Group I. A knockout tie against one of the best third-placed teams awaits.

France have not just advanced; they have announced themselves.