The scoreline read 5-0, but that undersells what France did to Norway in their final group-stage match. This was not a team coasting through a dead rubber; it was a statement of intent from a squad that has spent the past fortnight quietly assembling the most complete roster at the 2026 World Cup.

Ousmane Dembélé, once dismissed as talent without end product, delivered a hat trick that combined the explosive acceleration that has always defined him with a newfound clinical edge. His first was pure instinct, a one-touch finish from a tight angle. His second showcased the dribbling that made Barcelona pay €135 million a lifetime ago. His third was almost casual—a curling effort from the edge of the box that left the Norwegian goalkeeper rooted.

The depth problem no one else has

What should concern every remaining team is not that Dembélé scored three goals. It is that he started on the bench in France's opening match. Didier Deschamps possesses the luxury of rotating world-class attackers without any discernible drop in quality. Kylian Mbappé, the presumptive Ballon d'Or frontrunner, played just over an hour before being withdrawn with the match long settled. The message was unmistakable: France can hurt you in ways you cannot prepare for.

This depth extends beyond the attack. France's midfield options allow Deschamps to shift between control and chaos depending on the opponent. Against a pressing side, the technical security of his central options provides an escape valve. Against a deep block, the pace on the flanks becomes unmanageable. Norway attempted to sit deep and were carved apart regardless.

The bracket beckons

France now enters the knockout rounds as Group E winners with a goal difference that borders on intimidating. Their path through the bracket will become clearer in the coming days, but the psychological advantage is already established. Opponents will have watched this match and recognized something uncomfortable: France have not yet needed to be at their best.

The tournament's other contenders—Germany, Argentina, Brazil—have shown vulnerabilities. France have shown only glimpses of their ceiling, and those glimpses have been terrifying enough.

Our take

Tournament football rewards squads, not just starting elevens, and France possess the deepest squad at this World Cup by a considerable margin. Dembélé's hat trick was spectacular, but the real story is that France can produce such performances from players who are not even guaranteed to start. That is the difference between a good team and a team built to lift the trophy.