Malo Gusto added another controlled World Cup appearance to his summer as France sealed top spot in Group I with a 4-1 win over Norway in Boston.
According to Chelsea’s official website, the Blues right-back had already made his tournament debut in France’s earlier win over Iraq, and his latest involvement keeps him moving inside one of the strongest squads in the competition.
France’s win over Norway confirmed a perfect group-stage record and secured first place in Group I. Reuters reported that Ousmane Dembele’s first-half hat-trick drove the victory, before Desire Doue added a late fourth.
Gusto Keeps Building Tournament Rhythm
The headline belonged to Dembele, whose first-half treble broke open a match that had initially been framed around Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
The Guardian’s match report noted Norway’s heavy rotation, but France’s authority still matters for Chelsea because Gusto remains in a high-performance environment deep into the tournament.
That timing is useful for Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea have already had to manage noise around Gusto’s long-term role, with Manchester City interest creating a clear right-back decision for the new regime.
Read Chelsea has also assessed why Chelsea’s pre-season tour gives Alonso an immediate workload test, and Gusto now sits inside that same planning issue.
He is not currently France’s automatic starter, but every minute in this squad strengthens his argument.
Gusto is training beside elite defensive profiles, absorbing knockout-stage preparation and staying match-ready before Chelsea’s compressed pre-season schedule begins.
For Alonso, that is the real benefit.
Chelsea do not simply need Gusto fit. They need him sharp, trusted and hardened by tournament pressure when the domestic calendar restarts.
