Dembélé Finally Scores, But Is France's Group Dominance a Cause for Concern?

France marched on in Group I with a storm-hit but ultimately straightforward victory over Iraq, and the headline act was Ousmane Dembélé finally joining the party. The Paris Saint-Germain winger scored his first tournament goal at the 20th attempt, adding gloss to a performance that already featured another Kylian Mbappé brace and two more assists for Michael Olise. For Didier Deschamps, it was a night of satisfaction—his attack clicking into gear, the depth of his squad on full display.

Norway Test: Mind Games from Haaland

But the real test arrives on Friday in Boston. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, will battle France for top spot in the group. Haaland, never one to shy from headline, has already conceded defeat—or at least played the part. “Honestly I don’t care that much,” he told Fox in the United States. “They’re probably going to win against us. They’re probably going to win the whole tournament.”

Are these mind games? Almost certainly. Haaland knows that France, despite their dominance, can be vulnerable if lulled into complacency. Deschamps, a pragmatist, won’t fall for the bluff, but he will be wary. Norway have shown resilience in this tournament, and Haaland’s goalscoring threat is never to be underestimated. A true battle for group supremacy awaits.

The Perils of Group Dominance

Yet there is a deeper question simmering beneath France’s serene progress. Group-stage dominance—three wins, few scares—can sometimes leave a team undercooked for the knockout rounds. The intensity drops, the sharpness fades. France coasted against Iraq, and while Iraq offered little resistance, the lack of a proper test might hamper their rhythm later on. Deschamps will need to ensure his side is battle-hardened, not just brilliant.

Norway, with their physicality and tactical discipline, could provide the exact kind of challenge France needs. Win or lose, a tough fixture before the knockout stage might be a blessing in disguise. For Dembélé, Mbappé and Olise, the chance to face a high-calibre opponent is exactly what the doctor ordered.

What It Means

France remain overwhelming favourites to top the group and progress deep into the tournament. But the path to glory is never linear. If Haaland’s mind games are just that, Norway could spring a surprise—or they could serve as the perfect tune-up for Les Bleus. Either way, the match in Boston will reveal more about France’s true knockout credentials than any romp against Iraq ever could. The party is just getting started; the real test is yet to come.