Achraf Hakimi delivered a performance that was difficult to assess on Sunday during PSG’s 2-2 draw at Rennes. Highly involved on his flank and behind several chances, the Moroccan also left spaces open. French media ratings therefore ranged from 4 to 7/10.
After spending time alongside Achraf Hakimi with Morocco, Ali Maamar seems to have reached a new level. At 21, the Anderlecht defender is establishing himself as one of the young Moroccan talents attracting attention in Belgium.
With Achraf Hakimi, Walid Regragui could speak Spanish. With Hakim Ziyech, English. But as soon as he brought the Atlas Lions together , another rule applied: Darija became the common language.
Ayoub Bouaddi took advantage of the 2026 World Cup to step up to a new level. The value of the young Moroccan midfielder is said to have jumped by 30 million euros , now reaching 80 million, the same as Achraf Hakimi.
Just hours before the quarter-final between Morocco and France, part of the French press chose to highlight controversies surrounding the Lions of the Atlas rather than their sporting performance. Security, the Hakimi affair, supposed tensions: the framing raises questions.
Four Moroccan players cautioned against Canada , France considering an approach for Michael Olise, and Balogun finally allowed to play with the United States: FIFA’s disciplinary management raises a simple question. Can Morocco also defend its players?
As France faces Paraguay in the World Cup round of 16, Kylian Mbappé continues to capture all eyes . In Morocco, the French team’s star is also known for another habit: his repeated stays in Marrakech.
Canada has discovered the heights of a World Cup, but its next obstacle looks like a wall. Before facing Morocco, Jesse Marsch has not hidden his admiration mixed with concern facing the Atlas Lions, whom he judges formidable.
Against Canada, Morocco must avoid the trap of an overly open match. Opta figures argue for a dense, mobile eleven capable of pressing quickly under pressure. The objective: close down Canadian corridors , then attack the spaces left behind them.
Morocco did not merely secure qualification against the Netherlands. For the BBC, the Atlas Lions have confirmed their new status in world football, following a match they controlled for long periods before winning on penalties.
Morocco qualified on Tuesday for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup . The team eliminated the Netherlands on penalties after a breathtaking final stretch at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey.
Achraf Hakimi revealed the identity of the real boss of the Moroccan dressing room. Far from the usual stars, it is veteran goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi who stands out as the undisputed guide of the national team at this 2026 World Cup.