Goals in soccer can often come at a premium.
It seems illogical for that to be the case when there is a large net and an even bigger field to operate on. Yet between blocked shots and bodies in the box, those shooting lanes aren't always there for even the best goal scorers. On June 26, France is eager to change that with a one-man show that has everyone tipping their cap.
Ousmane Dembélé recorded a first-half hat trick against Norway in just 32 minutes, with a hydration break included.
It was part of a dominant opening 45 minutes for the reigning Ballon d'Or winner in the final group stage match for France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Three goals are obviously no small feat, but how close is Dembélé to history? And what would he have to do in the final 45 minutes to make it? Here's what to know about the most goals scored in a single World Cup match.
Most goals scored by one player in World Cup match
Oleg Salenko has the record for most goals scored in a World Cup match. Like Dembélé, Salenko did his damage in a group-stage game.
The Russian scored five goals against Cameroon at the 1994 World Cup, something that no one else has accomplished in the tournament's history. Interestingly enough, the 1994 World Cup was also held on American soil, meaning Dembélé is in a position to also make history in the same country 32 years later.
Dembélé will need two goals in the second half and three if he wants to stand alone in World Cup history.
Source: USA Today
