After Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coach Walid Regragui shared a heartwarming conversation he had with star player Achraf Hakimi.
As the team celebrated their historic achievement, Regragui couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for his talented right-back. “Achraf, you’ve been playing non-stop this year,” Regragui said, concern etched on his face. “Our upcoming games are basically friendlies. Why don’t you take a break and go back to Paris? You deserve some rest.” Hakimi’s response was characteristic of his dedication and passion for his country. “Coach, my body can only rest when I complete everything in football,” he said with a determined glint in his eye. “That’s when I retire.”
Regragui was taken aback by Hakimi’s words, but he couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at his player’s commitment.
Morocco’s Qualification Campaign
Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup last weekend. The team topped Group E with an impressive 15 points in 6 games, showcasing their dominance with a 100% win record in the qualifiers. In a highlight of their qualification campaign, Morocco demonstrated their strength with a resounding 5-0 victory over Niger in Rabat. Ismaeil Saibari scored twice, while Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi added to the scoreline. This qualification marks Morocco’s seventh World Cup appearance and their third consecutive participation, building on their successful 2022 World Cup run where they reached the semifinals. The team’s impressive performance in the qualifiers has cemented their status as a formidable force globally.
2022 World Cup: A Remarkable Journey
Morocco’s journey in the 2022 World Cup was nothing short of remarkable. The team showed growth and determination, making history by reaching the semifinals. Here’s a look back at their impressive run!
In the group stage, Morocco topped their group, which included Croatia, Belgium, and Canada, with 7 points from 3 wins and 1 loss. They then eliminated Spain 3-0 in penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Round of 16, followed by a 1-0 win over Portugal in the quarterfinals. Their semifinal match against France was a closely contested game, with France ultimately emerging victorious with a 2-0 score. Theo Hernandez scored the first goal in the 5th minute, and Olivier Giroud scored the second goal in the 79th minute. Despite their loss, Morocco’s performance was impressive. That achievement set the stage for future successes, including their recent qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Achraf Hakimi’s Stellar Season with PSG
Achraf Hakimi has had a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His notable achievements include playing a crucial role in PSG’s Champions League campaign. Hakimi’s goal and assist record for PSG last season was impressive, with 11 goals and 16 assists in 55 games across competitions. His consistent performance throughout the season has made him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or award. Hakimi’s impressive form has led many to consider him a potential Ballon d’Or winner. While predictions suggest Ousmane Dembele currently leads the pack, Hakimi’s chances are certainly worth watching. With his exceptional skills and dedication, Hakimi continues to make a significant impact on the football world. His achievements with PSG and the Moroccan national team have solidified his position as one of the top players in the world.
French 
English