Barcola/Doué vs Hakimi: PSG stars' duel could decide World Cup semi-final place

France and Morocco are set for a heavyweight clash in the quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup. This game will be a remake of the 2022 World Cup semi-final with Achraf Hakimi and his teammates seeking revenge following their 2-0 loss.

This game will also see the six PSG players involved, five for France and one for Morocco. The winner of this game will then face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-final of the competition.

PSG stars Barcola, Doué and Hakimi set for World Cup clash with semi-final place on the line

They need to put Hakimi on the back foot early

There is no more surprises for PSG fans when it comes to Achraf Hakimi incredible offensive abilities. He is able to completely change the rhythm of a game by himself and from his right flank. This area will be one of the most in the game and could definitely change the outcome of this clash.

However, a very crucial point could make it difficult for Hakimi to be too influential in this World Cup quarter-final. If Bradley Barcola or Désiré Doué manage to be dominant, it will definitely force the Moroccan captain on his back foot. Forcing him to do much more defending will at first simply block him from attacking, and then make him more tired in the later stages of the game which could force mistakes on both sides of the ball.

Bradley Barcola who is closely followed by Liverpool and Arsenal has delivered several great performances throughout the tournament, dazzling in France's stacked up offensive line and gained a starting role in the process. His side will need him to shine once again against one of the best right-back in the world and his PSG teammate. Désiré Doué will then likely come off the bench in the second half and he will need to put an enormous pressure on Hakimi to keep him mostly defending.

Barcola and Doué will have elevated workrate in this game

Under Luis Enrique all PSG players are working hard on both side of the ball, the most impressive example is certainly Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who is running up and down the field to support his left-back while remaining extremely dangerous offensively.

The same engagement will likely be demanded to either Barcola or Doué as it might be very difficult to keep Hakimi defending for 90 minutes or more. They will need to hurt Morocco on both sides of the ball and deliver their best performance of the competition up to this point.

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