France maintained their perfect record at the World Cup with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Norway, as Ousmane Dembélé fired a hat-trick to boost his Golden Boot credentials. The result keeps the French firmly on course as they head into the final round of group fixtures with maximum points from their opening three matches.
The French side took full advantage of a much-changed Norway to secure their third consecutive win. Dembélé’s treble places him among the tournament’s leading scorers and underlines France’s status as serious contenders for the trophy. The winger’s clinical finishing proved too much for the opposition, who offered little resistance against the tournament favourites.
Cape Verde create history on debut
Cape Verde wrote a new chapter in their footballing history by becoming the first team to progress from the group stage at their maiden World Cup appearance. The African islanders secured their place in the round of 32 following a third successive draw, a result that simultaneously ended Saudi Arabia’s campaign and sent the debutants through.
Their remarkable achievement marks them as one of the surprise packages of the tournament, having navigated a challenging group without tasting defeat despite failing to secure a victory. The consistency shown by the side demonstrates the growing competitiveness of nations making their first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Senegal close in on knockout berth
Senegal stand on the verge of qualifying for the knockout rounds after demolishing Iraq 5-0. The dominant display leaves the west Africans requiring only a favourable result in their final match to confirm their passage to the round of 32.
The comprehensive victory has significantly boosted their goal difference. The side now need just a point or specific results elsewhere to guarantee their spot in the next phase, positioning them as one of the strongest performers from the continent.
The final round of group fixtures will determine the exact seeding and matchups for the knockout phase, with France already assured of top spot in their section while Cape Verde await confirmation of their opponents.