World Cup: Five standout Ligue 1 player performances during MD3
Ousmane Dembélé (France / PSG) vs Norway
The Paris Saint-Germain forward lit up France's final group-stage outing with a sensational hat-trick, kickstarting his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after relatively quiet performances in Les Bleus' opening two matches. Dembélé joined an elite list of players to score a World Cup hat-trick, alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Gabriel Batistuta and Just Fontaine, as France booked their place in the Round of 32 in style.
Willian Pacho (Ecuador / PSG) vs Germany
Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho was once again a commanding presence at the heart of Ecuador's defence as La Tri came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 and secure qualification for the knockout stages. Calm in possession and composed under pressure, Pacho helped repel the German attack before Ecuador completed a memorable turnaround. Ecuador will now face hosts Mexico in the Round of 32.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / PSG) vs Haiti
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi produced another influential display to earn the FIFA Player of the Match award in his side's entertaining 4-2 victory over Haiti. The PSG full-back opened the scoring by reacting quickest after Jonny Placide spilled a shot from former RC Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, before later providing the assist for Ismael Saibari to cap another impressive all-round performance.
Gessime Yassine (Morocco / Strasbourg)
Another Moroccan Ligue 1 representative impressed as RC Strasbourg's Gessime Yassine netted his first FIFA World Cup goal. Introduced late on, the winger remained alert inside the penalty area to receive the ball before calmly finishing into an empty net in the 89th minute, putting the seal on Morocco's victory.
Lamine Camara (Senegal / Monaco) vs Iraq
AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara was instrumental as Senegal kept their knockout hopes alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq. Starting alongside fellow Monegasque Krépin Diatta, Camara produced a driving run through midfield before sliding an inch-perfect pass across the box for Senegal's second goal, helping the Lions of Teranga secure their place in the Round of 32.
