Published on March 6, 2026, the Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi is set to embark on the 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a heavy and historic legacy on his shoulders, shaped by the remarkable achievements of the 'Atlas Lions' during the Qatar 2022 tournament. The Moroccan team made history as the first Arab and African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, stunning the world with their remarkable journey that included victories over football giants Spain and Portugal. Hakimi, a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, emerged as a prominent figure in this epic saga, with his decisive penalty kick against Spain, executed with the audacity of a 'Panenka', etching itself into the memories of fans as a symbol of his ability to thrive under immense pressure.
The Challenge of the 2026 World Cup: Morocco as a Powerhouse
However, the circumstances surrounding the 2026 World Cup present a stark contrast to the previous tournament; this time, the Moroccan national team enters the competition not as a potential surprise contender, but as a formidable powerhouse burdened with high expectations and regarded as a serious contender. This shift significantly amplifies the responsibilities placed upon Hakimi, now 27 years old, as he stands as a crucial pillar in the swift transition from defense to attack along the right flank. This leadership role is a far cry from the initial perceptions held by the coaches who oversaw his early European career. In 2019, his former coach at Borussia Dortmund, Lucien Favre, praised Hakimi's attacking instincts, noting that he had demonstrated significant danger in advancing forward, despite not being fully accustomed to this tactical role at that time. Over the years, he has evolved into a well-rounded player.
Hakimi's journey has not been devoid of challenges; amidst a bustling local and European season, he faced an ankle injury at the end of 2025 that jeopardized his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco at the beginning of this year. Nevertheless, he persevered through the injury and returned with vigor to lead his country to the final against Senegal.
A Leadership Role with the Atlas Lions
With the appointment of coach Mohamed Wahbi to lead the Moroccan national team, succeeding Walid Regragui, Hakimi has maintained his artistic brilliance while showcasing new leadership roles, successfully assisting in three goals in just the first two matches under the new coach. In press statements, Hakimi expressed unwavering confidence in the current squad's ability to exceed the achievements of 2022, affirming that the team will "do everything possible to bring joy to the fans" and that the clear objective for the Atlas Lions is to "go as far as possible in the tournament." As he prepares for the upcoming World Cup, Hakimi enters the arena not only as a player whose impact is measured by his swift runs but also by his capacity to translate the experience of past years into a decisive presence in a tournament that will test not only his talent but also the sustainability of his generational success.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
