Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL ACHRAF HAKIMI PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Achraf Hakimi is one of the most frequently mentioned names when discussing the next World Cup. From his emergence at Real Madrid to his rise to prominence at PSG, the Moroccan full-back has become a symbol of speed, power, and tactical discipline. In this article, we analyze whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup, his current form, interesting facts about his career, and his impact on the Moroccan national team. Get ready for a football review full of facts, excitement, and predictions.
Achraf Hakimi's Current Status
Achraf Hakimi is enjoying a stellar moment with Paris Saint-Germain. At 27 years old (as of 2025), he has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world. In the 2024-2025 season, he has played more than 35 matches for PSG, scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists, numbers that reflect his attacking prowess and his importance to the Parisian team's tactical system.
His role isn't limited to defending: Hakimi is a tireless runner. According to UEFA data, he averages more than 10.5 km per match, with peak speeds exceeding 36 km/h. His playing style combines tactical intelligence with physical explosiveness, making him an indispensable asset for both his club and Morocco. His connection to Morocco: Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, Hakimi chose to represent Morocco from a young age, a decision that made him an idol across the African continent. His leadership at the 2022 Qatar World Cup was key to Morocco reaching the semifinals, becoming the first African nation to achieve this feat. Since then, Hakimi has become much more than a player: he is a symbol of national pride. He has played more than 75 international matches. He is the team's second captain, behind Romain Saïss. He has participated in two World Cups (2018 and 2022). He averages one assist every five matches for Morocco. All indications are that Hakimi will be part of the 2026 World Cup squad if he maintains his physical and competitive level. Morocco needs him, and he seems ready to take on that challenge.
The Road to the 2026 World Cup
Morocco has already begun its qualifying process for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team, led by Walid Regragui, maintains the core of the squad from Qatar 2022, with Hakimi as a key player. So far, the Moroccan national team remains undefeated in the African qualifying phase, with Hakimi actively participating in both defense and attack.
Hakimi's Key Qualifying Stats
Averages 2.3 interceptions per game.
Created 11 goal-scoring opportunities in the last 6 matches.
Completed 89% of his passes, an outstanding figure for an attacking full-back.
Scores 2 goals and 3 assists in the African qualifiers.
The Morocco's coaching staff has complete confidence in his leadership and experience. Hakimi is seen as a "hinge player": his defensive contribution is solid, but his ability to create attacking overloads makes him indispensable. Furthermore, his relationship with players like Ziyech and En-Nesyri strengthens the team's collective dynamic.
What does he need to reach 2026?
Hakimi's main challenge is staying injury-free. His playing style, based on power and acceleration, can take its toll in long seasons. However, his physical discipline is remarkable: he follows personalized recovery routines, works with elite physiotherapists, and has reduced his muscle injuries since 2022.
Another key aspect is his continued presence at PSG. Although there were rumors of a possible move to Real Madrid or Manchester City, Hakimi has stated that he feels "happy and committed" in Paris. The stability at the club provides him with the ideal foundation to reach his peak form for the 2026 World Cup.
Hakimi's Interesting Facts and Legacy
To speak of Hakimi is to speak of a story of overcoming adversity. As a child, his parents emigrated from Morocco to Spain in search of opportunities. He grew up in Getafe, where he began playing football at just 7 years old. His talent caught the attention of Real Madrid, who signed him for La Fábrica (Real Madrid's youth academy). At 18, he made his debut for the first team.
From Madrid to the World
After Real Madrid, his career took off at Borussia Dortmund, where he established himself as one of the most attacking full-backs in Europe. At Inter Milan, he won the 2020-2021 Serie A title before signing for PSG for 60 million euros. Every step in his career has been accompanied by technical and mental evolution. He was the fastest player at the 2022 World Cup (35.9 km/h). He is a UNICEF Morocco ambassador. He speaks three languages: Spanish, Arabic, and French. He has over 20 million followers on Instagram. In addition to his talent, Hakimi stands out for his humility. In 2022, he went viral for regularly sending money to his family in Morocco and supporting social projects in his country. He is an example of how football can transform lives.
What he represents for Africa
Hakimi has inspired a new generation of African footballers. His discipline and success in Europe demonstrate that the continent's talent can compete with the best in the world. In interviews, he himself has said that his dream is to see an African team lift the World Cup, and Morocco seems determined to try in 2026.
If nothing changes, Achraf Hakimi will not only play in the 2026 World Cup, but he will be one of the tournament's biggest stars. With his experience, speed, and winning mentality, he can lead Morocco to another historic chapter. And if this full-back has proven anything, it's that you should never bet against him.
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