July 6, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Maghnes Akliouche’s intriguing summer: world cup debut and psg transfer speculation

France's Maghnes AKLIOUCHE and France's Dayot UPAMECANO enter on the pitch prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 match between France and Sweden at MetLife Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport)

Maghnes Akliouche’s intriguing summer: world cup debut and psg transfer speculation

The 24-year-old winger is experiencing his first World Cup with the French national team, who are set to face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday, all while navigating crucial club transfer negotiations. He handles this multifaceted situation with remarkable composure.

For nearly a month, his distinctive brown hair and unassuming demeanor have been a familiar sight across the United States, as he proudly wears the French national team jersey. Maghnes Akliouche, the AS Monaco winger, remains consistent with his agreeable, calm, and reserved nature at the World Cup. While he typically makes his presence felt on the pitch, his brief ten-minute appearance in the 3-0 victory against Iraq, the second group stage fixture, offered limited opportunity to truly distinguish himself for Les Bleus.

Despite not yet commanding the spotlight with the national squad, the Tremblay-en-France native continues to be a focal point of discussion during this pivotal summer for his career. His inclusion in this American World Cup marked a significant first step, a cherished childhood aspiration realized. The second major development could soon follow the tournament, with a potential transfer to what many consider Europe’s premier club, Paris Saint-Germain.