Ousmane Dembele scored one of the earliest hattricks in World Cup history on Friday as the Ballon d'Or winner starred in France's 4-1 win over a second-string Norway, while Erling Haaland watched on from the bench.

Norway striker Erling Haaland was left on the bench against France in the World Cup Group I match on Friday with both teams having qualified for the knockout stages.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage approaches its climax as Groups G, H and I conclude on a thrilling day of action on Matchday 16 -- Friday and also Saturday (Bangladesh Time).

Having already secured their places in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup by winning their opening two Group I matches, tournament favourites France and dark horse Norway will face off in a highly anticipated clash in Boston tonight to determine the group champions.

France coach Didier Deschamps is to return home after his mother died and will miss his team's final World Cup Group I match against Norway, the French Football Federation announced Tuesday.