World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Hakimi and Alvarez among stars who failed to shine

The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced a host of standout performers, but several of football’s biggest names were unable to replicate their club form on the international stage, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Achraf Hakimi and Julian Alvarez among the players whose campaigns ended in disappointment.

Spain lifted the World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final, but for a number of established stars, the tournament proved to be one to forget despite impressive seasons with their respective clubs.

Ronaldo’s final World Cup ends in frustration

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at the tournament hoping to lead Portugal on one final World Cup challenge, but the campaign ended in the round of 16 following defeat by Spain.

The Portuguese captain scored three goals in five appearances but was unable to inspire his side to a deeper run in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup.

His international return contrasted sharply with his prolific club season, during which he scored 30 goals and provided five assists in 37 matches for Al-Nassr, helping the Saudi Pro League club win the league title.

Hakimi unable to inspire Morocco beyond quarter-finals

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi also entered the tournament carrying high expectations after another outstanding campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.

Having helped PSG win both the French league title and the UEFA Champions League, the full-back was expected to spearhead another memorable World Cup run for the Atlas Lions.

Instead, Morocco’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals against France. Hakimi contributed one goal and two assists but was unable to produce the decisive displays that had characterised his club season, in which he scored three goals and registered nine assists in 32 appearances.

Alvarez and Bruno struggle to make their mark

Argentina forward Julian Alvarez was another player who failed to meet expectations.

Linked with a potential move to Barcelona after an impressive season at Atletico Madrid, Alvarez managed just one goal in eight World Cup matches despite scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists in 49 club appearances.

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes also found life difficult in Qatar’s successor tournament.

After being named the Premier League Player of the Season following a campaign of nine goals and 22 assists for Manchester United, Fernandes failed to score at the World Cup and produced just one assist before Portugal’s elimination.

Neves, Mahrez and Kimmich fall short

Joao Neves was another Portugal player whose World Cup fell below expectations.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder scored once in five matches but could not help his country progress beyond the round of 16, despite playing a key role in PSG’s successful club campaign.

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez also endured an underwhelming tournament. After helping Al-Ahli win back-to-back AFC Champions League titles, Mahrez scored two goals and provided one assist before the Desert Foxes were eliminated in the round of 32 by Switzerland.

Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich similarly struggled to influence the tournament as his side exited on penalties against Paraguay in the round of 32. The Bayern Munich star registered two assists but was unable to reproduce the consistency that saw him enjoy another outstanding club season.

Club success does not always translate to international glory

The performances of several high-profile players served as a reminder of the different demands of club and international football.

While many arrived at the World Cup in exceptional form, the pressure, quality of opposition and limited preparation time meant several established stars were unable to make the decisive impact expected of them.

For African supporters, Hakimi and Mahrez’s inclusion on the list will be particularly disappointing, with both players carrying the hopes of Morocco and Algeria but ultimately falling short of the influence they regularly display at club level.