Ousmane Dembélé fires World Cup hat trick, enters Golden Boot race

Ousmane Dembélé struck a World Cup hat trick inside 30 minutes on 26 June 2026, vaulting the PSG winger into the Golden Boot conversation at the 2026 tournament.

What happened in the match?

Dembélé needed just half an hour to net three goals against Norway in Lyon, tying the French record for fastest World Cup hat trick and placing him among the tournament’s leading scorers. The result kept France top of Group F with a game still to play.

Where does Dembélé stand in the Golden Boot race?

Before the Norway fixture, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland each had four goals. Lionel Messi led with five. Dembélé’s treble instantly put him level with Mbappé and Haaland, level with Messi on five goals apiece.

Who is Ousmane Dembélé?

The 29-year-old winger was born in Eure, France, and scouted at 13. He turned pro at 18, then joined Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year deal in summer 2023. Dembélé has two Champions League winner’s medals from his time at the club.

Has Dembélé played in past World Cups?

Yes. He featured in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and again in Qatar 2022, contributing to France’s back-to-back finals runs.