The Morocco national team defender, Achraf Hakimi, has expressed confidence ahead of Morocco’s opening Group C fixture against Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions will launch their tournament campaign on Saturday night with a high-profile showdown against Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil national team, in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.
Hakimi, who recently lifted the UEFA Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain, says he is looking forward to the challenge of facing one of the tournament favourites.
“I think everyone knows the Brazilian national team, we know Vinicius’ qualities. I’ve already played against him many times and he’s a great player. To defend against Vinicius and the other Brazilian players, who are all top-level, you have to defend as a team, with clear ideas,” Hakimi told a press conference.
“I believe that we have trained and prepared for this kind of match. I think the team is ready. Personally, I feel ready and I have the confidence needed to play a great match and deliver a great performance.”
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Hakimi Confident Ahead of Brazil Clash
The Moroccan full-back believes his side can compete strongly with Brazil national football team, widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in World Cup history.
“As I have already said, we know well the opponent we will face tomorrow,” he said.
“We know Brazil, its history, the quality of its players. But we also have quality. In Africa, they call us the ‘Brazilians of Africa.’ We are talented players and we have our strengths.
“I believe we are ready to do something important, with confidence and with the support of all Moroccans. I think we can have a great World Cup and start well already tomorrow.”
Focus on Opening Match
Morocco made history at the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals, but Hakimi insists the squad is not looking too far ahead.
“We are completely focused on the first match, on tomorrow. We want to start in the best possible way. Then we will think match by match, trying to go as far as possible and do better than at the last World Cup. But right now we are only thinking about tomorrow, about delivering the best possible performance and winning the match, which is what we want,” he added.
