Final four, goals, standout runs… What can we take away from our Monégasques’ World Cup?

They proudly represented the red and white colours throughout football’s biggest competition. Selected by their respective nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Maghnes Akliouche (France), Folarin Balogun (USA), Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta (Senegal), as well as Denis Zakaria (Switzerland), enjoyed varying fortunes. As the curtain comes down on the tournament, here is a look back at their performances. 🔙

A first major tournament for Maghnes 🇫🇷

He took part in his first major international tournament with France. Less than a year after earning his first call-up to Les Bleus (September 2025), Maghnes Akliouche was included in Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for the tournament in North America. Making an appearance off the bench during the group-stage victory over Iraq (3-0, 7 minutes played), the Academy graduate above all gained valuable experience throughout the competition, contributing to a France side that progressed all the way to the semi-finals before eventually falling to the tournament’s eventual winners, Spain (2-0). A competition that will no doubt be the first of many for the talented Academy product.

Zak’ proves the ultimate utility player in a historic run 🇨🇭

This was already his third World Cup campaign with the Nati. One of the leaders within the Swiss squad alongside his former teammate in the Principality, Breel Embolo, AS Monaco captain Denis Zakaria even filled in in an unfamiliar role… at right-back! Starting four of Switzerland’s six matches, the midfielder played a major part in the nation’s best-ever World Cup performance, helping them reach the quarter-finals before eventually being edged out after extra time by tournament finalists Argentina (3-1). It was therefore an extremely positive campaign, highlighted in particular by victories over Algeria and Colombia.

Balogoal delivers in front of his home fans 🇺🇸

Experiencing a World Cup on home soil is a privilege few players get to enjoy. Not only did Folarin Balogun have the opportunity to play in his home country, the United States, but he also left a lasting mark on the Americans’ campaign. While Mauricio Pochettino’s side bowed out in the Round of 16 following a defeat to Belgium (4-1), Balo’ made an immediate impact by scoring a brace in the opening group-stage match against Paraguay (4-1 victory), before forcing an own goal against Australia and finding the net once again against Bosnia. Three goals in total and a successful tournament campaign for the striker!

A respectable tournament for our African champions 🇸🇳

After a demanding season that notably included their Africa Cup of Nations final triumph in January, Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta were naturally part of Senegal’s squad for the tournament in North America. Drawn into one of the toughest groups of the World Cup, notably alongside France, Senegal performed admirably and secured a place in the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. Unfortunately, the Lions of Teranga lacked the physical edge needed to trouble Belgium. Both starters in all four matches, our Monégasques produced committed and commendable performances throughout the tournament.

Adingra’s Ivory Coast earn creditable marks 🇨🇮

Having joined AS Monaco on loan during the second half of last season, Simon Adingra followed a similar path to his two former teammates. After an impressive group stage, finishing level on points with Germany thanks to victories over Ecuador and Curaçao, the Elephants unfortunately came up against one of the tournament’s surprise packages, Erling Haaland’s Norway, whose attacking efficiency proved decisive. Introduced from the bench against Germany, the left winger played 15 minutes during this World Cup campaign.