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World Cup: 5 Standout Ligue 1 performances from the Round of 16

With the Round of 16 of the World Cup in the books and the quarterfinals ahead, we look at some of the standout performances by Ligue 1 McDonald's players in the previous round.
E. DEVIN
Published on 07/08/2026 at 12:00
2-minute read
Achraf Hakimi's dynamism was key in Morocco's win over Canada

With the Round of 16 of the World Cup in the books and the quarterfinals ahead, we look at some of the standout performances by Ligue 1 McDonald's players in the previous round. 

Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain/Morocco

The unassailable captain for his country, his shuttling runs and dynamism with the ball at his feet have cracked open many a match this season, but against Canada on Saturday, it was his dead-ball ability that broke open a match in which the Atlas Lions had struggled. Picking out Azzedine Ounahi at the edge of the area with a low cross, he helped the former Marseille man beat the defense against the run of play, opening the floodgates in what would be a 3-0 win.

João Neves, Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal

Despite suffering defeat to Spain in Dallas, his was one of the standout performances for the Selecão. Playing 90 minutes, he was key in shackling the dangerous Lamine Yamal, making four interceptions and two tackles (both team highs) while also completing 94% of his passes.

Nathan Ngoy, LOSC/Belgium

Back from suspension, Ngoy was impressive indeed in limiting the dangerous US pairing of Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic. The in-form Monaco man was virtually anonymous, making only 11 touches despite playing the entire match, and much of that was down to Ngoy, who made a team-high five clearances.

Désiré Doué, Paris Saint-Germain/France

While Doué's appearance against a dogged Paraguay was brief, only coming on after the hour, it was a game-changing one, as he not only won the penalty that was converted by Kylian Mbappé but also made three key passes, a team high. 

Denis Zakaria, AS Monaco/Switzerland

Having played in both central defence and midfield for the Principality club this season, the versatile Zakaria has seen himself remade as a right back in the current tournament, having started there in each of the Swiss' two knockout matches. Tasked with keeping the dangerous Luis Diaz quiet yesterday, he was more than equal to the task, keeping the Bayern Munich man off the scoresheet with aplomb.

Read more:

>> Doué and Barcola: France and Paris Saint-Germain's attacking options

>> Liam the Revenant: Rosenior returns to Ligue 1 with Paris FC

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