Senegal revived their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup round of 32 after a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq, while France underlined their title credentials with a dominant 4-1 win over Norway, inspired by a sensational Ousmane Dembele hat-trick.
Senegal Gives Themselves a Lifeline
The Teranga Lions produced their most convincing display of the tournament to keep their knockout hopes alive, overwhelming a 10-man Iraq side in their final Group I fixture.
Habib Diarra gave Senegal the perfect start with a fourth-minute opener before Iraq’s task became even more difficult when defender Rebin Sulaka was shown a straight red card in the 13th minute for bringing down Sadio Mane as the forward raced through on goal.
Despite their numerical advantage, Senegal had to wait until the second half to extend their lead. Ismaila Sarr doubled the advantage in the 56th minute before Pape Gueye struck twice to put the game beyond doubt.
Substitute Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout late on as Senegal secured a crucial victory that leaves them with three points and a healthy goal difference of plus two.
With eight third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32, Senegal now face an anxious wait to discover whether their impressive goal difference will be enough to secure a knockout berth.
For Iraq, the defeat ends their first World Cup appearance since 1986 without a point.
Dembele Steals the Show for France
While Senegal were fighting to survive, France produced one of the performances of the tournament as Ousmane Dembele scored a remarkable first-half hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Norway.
The much-anticipated clash between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland never materialized after Norway manager Stale Solbakken rested several key players, including the Manchester City striker.
Dembele took full advantage.
The Paris Saint-Germain star opened the scoring after just seven minutes before curling home a brilliant second in the 20th minute. Norway briefly threatened a comeback when Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back, but Dembele completed his hat-trick shortly afterward with another sublime left-footed finish.
His treble became the second-fastest men’s World Cup hat-trick from the start of a match and the first first-half World Cup hat-trick since 1994.
France assistant coach Guy Stephan revealed that recent criticism of the winger may have helped fuel his outstanding display.
“Ousmane can hear the criticism like anyone else,” Stephan said. “Every time he comes back stronger. Three goals in a World Cup game is exceptional.”
Desire Doue added a fourth goal in stoppage time to seal France’s third consecutive victory and confirm top spot in Group I.
Despite Kylian Mbappe remaining relatively quiet, France once again demonstrated their remarkable attacking depth and balance, strengthening their status as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
Meanwhile, Norway, who had already secured qualification, will hope a rested Erling Haaland returns refreshed for the knockout stages after the striker was left on the bench.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, France march confidently into the last 32, while Senegal continue to cling to their World Cup dream.
