Dembele’s 32-minute Hat-Trick writes World Cup history

June.27 (Mirror Sports) 

Ousmane Dembele Makes World Cup History

Ousmane Dembele has etched his name into FIFA World Cup history after scoring the second-fastest hat-trick ever recorded from the start of a match, powering France to a dominant victory over Norway.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward completed his hat-trick in just 32 minutes during France’s final Group I match, scoring in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes. Only Austria’s Erich Probst has done it faster, with a 24-minute treble in 1954.

His achievement places him ahead of iconic World Cup hat-tricks by England’s Gary Lineker (36 minutes, 1986) and West Germany’s Gerd Muller (38 minutes, 1970). Fresh from an impressive club season, Dembele’s performance is being hailed as one of the standout moments of the 2026 World Cup.

England Secure Knockout Stage Qualification

England have secured qualification for the World Cup knockout stage ahead of their final Group match against Panama.

The Three Lions sit on four points from two games, guaranteeing progression as one of the best third-placed teams following Uruguay’s defeat to Spain. However, manager Thomas Tuchel faces selection concerns, with Reece James ruled out and Declan Rice a doubt due to a calf injury.

Cape Verde Make World Cup History

Cape Verde have become the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage, booking a historic last-32 clash with Argentina.

They finished Group H as runners-up after a dramatic conclusion, with qualification confirmed while players watched final group results on a mobile phone pitch-side, sparking emotional celebrations.

Senegal crush Iraq 5–0 to stay alive

Senegal kept their knockout hopes alive with a dominant 5–0 win over 10-man Iraq, significantly improving their goal difference.

Early pressure paid off through Abdoulaye Seck, before Iraq were reduced to 10 men following a VAR review. Senegal then ran riot in the second half with goals from Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Gueye (2), and Iliman Ndiaye.

Despite the strong result, Senegal’s qualification remains dependent on other group outcomes.

Spain top group as Uruguay exit World Cup

Spain secured top spot in Group H with a 1–0 win over Uruguay, eliminating Marcelo Bielsa’s side from the tournament.

A first-half strike from Álex Baena proved decisive, while errors from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera proved costly. Uruguay’s frustrations were compounded by a red card for Agustín Canobbio in stoppage time.

Spain advance confidently to the Round of 32 as group winners.

Belgium Cruise Past New Zealand to Reach Last 32

Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium national football team produced a dominant performance to beat New Zealand national football team and secure their place in the World Cup knockout stage. After a slow start to the tournament, Belgium controlled the game in Vancouver from the first whistle.

Trossard opened the scoring in the 28th minute before adding a second early in the second half, while Kevin De Bruyne extended the lead with a fine strike. New Zealand briefly responded through Elijah Just, but late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers sealed a comprehensive victory.

Iran Still Alive as Egypt Secure Progression After Dramatic Draw

Iran national football team kept their World Cup last-32 hopes alive after a 1-1 draw with Egypt national football team in Seattle, a match that featured a disallowed late goal and a stoppage-time effort off the crossbar. Egypt had already secured qualification, while Iran remain in contention as one of the best third-placed teams.

Egypt struck first through Mahmoud Saber, before Iran responded via Ramin Rezaeian after a missed Mehdi Taremi penalty. Iran were denied by VAR when Shoja Khalilzadeh’s late finish was ruled out, while Saeid Ezatolahi hit the woodwork in added time. Mohamed Salah was substituted in the second half, as Belgium national football team topped the group following their win earlier in the day.