World Cup 2026: Five Ligue 1 storylines to watch in MD2
With the opening round complete, Matchday Two is where the World Cup begins to take shape. Some nations are already facing elimination, whilst others can secure qualification for the knockout rounds. For Ligue 1 supporters, there are several familiar faces worth keeping an eye on over the coming days.
1. Can Lee Kang-in lead South Korea to top spot?
After opening their campaign with a victory, South Korea face Mexico in a clash that could decide first place in Group A. The spotlight naturally falls on PSG midfielder Lee Kang-in, whose creativity and ability to unlock compact defences make him one of the tournament's most entertaining Ligue 1 representatives.
Mexico are unlikely to give him much space between the lines, but if Lee can dictate the tempo and influence proceedings in the final third, South Korea could take a significant step towards the knockout stages.
2. Can Folarin Balogun fire the USA into the knockout rounds?
The United States have the chance to become one of the first nations to secure qualification for the Round of 32 when they face Australia. After a statement victory over Paraguay in their opening match, Mauricio Pochettino's side know another win would guarantee their place in the knockout stages.
For Ligue 1 supporters, the player to watch is Folarin Balogun. The former Stade de Reims loanee and AS Monaco striker announced himself on the global stage with a brace in the USA's opening victory and has quickly emerged as one of the faces of the tournament. Balogun's breakthrough came in France and Matchday Two offers another opportunity for the American international to demonstrate why Ligue 1 proved to be the making of him.
3. Canada's Ligue 1 contingent under pressure
Hosts Canada cannot afford a slip-up against Qatar. With qualification hopes on the line, several current and former Ligue 1 players will be expected to deliver.
OGC Nice centre-back Moïse Bombito and Olympique de Marseille defender Derek Cornelius provide the backbone of the Canadian defence, whilst former Lille striker Jonathan David remains the nation's biggest attacking threat. Add former Marseille midfielder Ismaël Koné into the equation and there is a distinctly Ligue 1 flavour to a crucial encounter. A victory would put Canada firmly back in contention. Anything less could leave their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
4. Can France's Ligue 1 stars book their place early?
France face Iraq knowing that victory would secure qualification before their blockbuster Matchday Three clash against Norway.
The spotlight will naturally fall on PSG captain Kylian Mbappé, but there are also opportunities for players currently plying their trade in Ligue 1 to make their mark before Didier Deschamps potentially rotates his squad.
Qualification with a game to spare would allow France to approach their final group fixture with considerably less pressure and underline their status as one of the tournament favourites.
5. Pavel Šulc fighting to keep Czechia alive
Not every important World Cup match is a glamour tie. Czechia and South Africa both suffered defeats in their opening matches and know that another loss could leave them on the verge of elimination. The pressure is therefore firmly on Czechia's most creative player, Pavel Šulc.
The attacking midfielder has attracted growing attention across Europe thanks to his productivity and versatility, and the World Cup provides the perfect platform to showcase his talents to an even wider audience. For Czechia, survival could depend on him producing a decisive moment.
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