2026 World Cup: Morocco Ready For Brazil Test — Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi has declared Morocco ready for their Group C clash against Brazil, Competesports.com reports.

The Atlas Lions will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a daunting encounter against Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil on Saturday night.

Hakimi, who helped Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League title last month, is eagerly anticipating the blockbuster clash against the South Americans.

“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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The full-back believes Morocco have what it takes to compete with the most successful team 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.”

Morocco became the first African nation ever to make the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2022, but Hakimi isn’t yet thinking about getting to the last four or further again.

“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.