France Thrash Norway as the World Hails Their World Cup Form

France continued their dominant run at the 2026 World Cup, taking a 3-1 lead over Norway by halftime in Massachusetts and drawing praise around the world for a performance many compared to historic Brazil sides. Didier Deschamps was not on the touchline because of his mother’s death.

Ousmane Dembélé scored a hat-trick in the space of half an hour, with each goal described as impressive. The display left international observers stunned and prompted comparisons with some of the greatest teams in football history.

Spanish journalist Inaki Gabilondo said, “France looks like Brazil of old,” and added that anyone who stops France from winning the tournament could consider the World Cup a success. “If France does not win this World Cup, it would be a fiasco for them,” he said.

French commentator Matt Spiro was equally effusive, saying France look so strong that it is hard to imagine them not reaching the final. He argued even France’s second team could reach the semifinals, and noted that 98 French players are at the tournament and Paris Saint-Germain have won the Champions League twice in a row. “There is no doubt that French football is dominating the world right now,” he said.