Achraf Hakimi and Morocco's Historic World Cup Journey
In an exciting announcement for Moroccan football fans, Achraf Hakimi, a prominent player for Paris Saint-Germain, has been selected as one of nine athletes from Morocco’s groundbreaking 2022 World Cup squad to represent the nation in the upcoming 2026 tournament in North America. This significant decision was made public by Morocco's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, who has recently taken the reins of the team. The coach, who has a notable background himself, being born in Belgium, has chosen a squad that reflects the rich diversity of Morocco's football talent, notably drawing from its diaspora in Europe, where many of the players have roots.
Hakimi's inclusion in the squad is particularly noteworthy as he, alongside Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz, symbolizes a new era for Moroccan football. Both players, born in Spain, have familial ties that allow them to proudly represent Morocco on the international stage. This team also welcomes new faces, such as Fulham’s Issa Diop and PSV Eindhoven’s Anass Salah-Eddine, who have recently had their eligibility to play for Morocco approved by FIFA. Diaz, who previously played for Spain, has also been a part of the Moroccan national team since 2024, marking his evolution as a player committed to his heritage.
2026 World Cup Preparations and Expectations
As Morocco gears up for the 2026 World Cup, they will be stationed in New Jersey. The team is set to make a bold start against Brazil on June 13, followed by a match against Scotland in Massachusetts, and concluding their group stage against Haiti in Atlanta on June 24. The format of the tournament allows the top two teams to advance directly to the round of 16, with a potential opportunity for the third-place team to progress, thus intensifying the stakes for this talented squad.
Morocco's historical performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semifinals, set a high bar for expectations. Under the guidance of former coach Walid Regragui, Morocco achieved a series of remarkable victories, including impressive wins over top teams such as Spain and Portugal, before narrowly losing to France in the semifinals. Now, with Ouahbi at the helm, who previously led Morocco to an Under-20 World Cup title, the national team is ready to build on this legacy and strive for even greater achievements in the coming tournament.
In addition to Hakimi, the squad features key players such as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who will be participating in his third World Cup at the age of 35. The Moroccan team enters the tournament as the current African champions, although this title is presently under legal scrutiny due to an appeal from Senegal regarding their earlier victory in the African Cup of Nations. Nevertheless, Morocco’s focus remains steadfast as they prepare for a challenging yet promising tournament ahead.
As reported by wtop.com.
