Hakimi Included in Morocco's 2026 World Cup Squad Despite Injury Risk

The unveiling of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad has thrown an immediate and dramatic spotlight on the fitness of their captain, Achraf Hakimi. Manager Walid Regragui’s decision to include the Paris Saint-Germain full-back, despite a significant injury sustained in late April, is a calculated gamble that will define the Atlas Lions’ campaign. According to BBC Sport, Hakimi has not played since PSG’s Champions League semi-final first-leg victory over Bayern Munich on 28 April. His inclusion, alongside a blend of established stars and emerging talents, signals Morocco’s fierce ambition to replicate, or even surpass, their historic semi-final run from Qatar 2022. The risk, however, is monumental, as they prepare to navigate a challenging Group C featuring Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

The Hakimi Conundrum

The central narrative surrounding Morocco’s squad is undoubtedly the physical state of Achraf Hakimi. The 27-year-old is not just a player but the on-field leader and tactical fulcrum of the team, boasting 95 international caps. His absence since that late-April clash against Bayern Munich raises serious questions about his match readiness for a tournament that kicks off on 11 June, as reported by ESPN in their overview of squad announcements. BBC Sport’s report offers a glimmer of hope, noting that Hakimi was pictured in training on Tuesday, just days before PSG’s Champions League final against Arsenal. This suggests a push for fitness, but the intensity of a World Cup presents a different challenge entirely. Regragui’s gamble is clear: a half-fit Hakimi provides leadership and moments of world-class quality, but risking him could lead to a breakdown that disrupts the team’s entire defensive structure. The manager’s faith contrasts sharply with the cold calculus of the official timelines, which ESPN highlights, noting that final 26-player squads must be submitted to FIFA by 1 June, leaving a very tight window for final fitness assessments.

Defensive Contingency Plans

The composition of Morocco’s defensive unit suggests Regragui is acutely aware of the precarious situation. The squad includes multiple established options at full-back, notably Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui. Mazraoui offers a natural and high-level replacement for Hakimi, having played extensively for a top Premier League club. His versatility and experience make him the most logical direct swap should Hakimi fail to recover fully. Further depth is provided by Youssef Belammari of Al Ahly and the younger Zakaria El Ouahdi of Genk. In central defense, the selections of Nayef Aguerd (on loan at Marseille from West Ham), Crystal Palace’s Chadi Riad, and Issa Diop of Fulham provide both experience and physical presence. This depth, detailed by BBC Sport, illustrates a strategic shift; Morocco is not a team reliant on one superstar but a squad built with resilience in mind, a critical factor given the long-term uncertainty surrounding their captain.

Star Power and Notable Absences

Beyond the injury drama, the squad selection tells a broader story of renewal and ruthless decision-making. Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz is a headline inclusion, adding Champions League pedigree and creative flair alongside Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi, a player representing the next generation. However, the most striking decision is the omission of former Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech. As per the BBC Sport report, Ziyech has been left out entirely, closing a significant chapter for the Atlas Lions. While his form may have dipped, his experience and moments of magic were pivotal in the 2022 run. This move unequivocally signals Regragui’s intent to build a team with a different, perhaps more physically robust and tactically disciplined, identity. The midfield, curiously listed in the BBC report with only Samir El Mourabet, seems incomplete and hints at further updates or a heavy reliance on versatile players from other lines to fill the engine room, a point of tactical intrigue ahead of the tournament.

A Favorable Path to the Knockouts?

Morocco’s placement in Group C puts them in a fascinating position. As one of the top-seeded African nations, currently eighth in the FIFA rankings, they will back themselves to advance. Citing ESPN’s group listings, their opponents are Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland. The marquee clash is undeniably against Brazil, a match that will test Morocco’s defensive mettle and provide a benchmark for their ambitions. However, the real pressure lies in the matches against Scotland and Haiti. Scotland, led by Steve Clarke and packed with Premier League regulars, represents a physically demanding and tactically astute challenge. The opening fixture against them on 19 June, as reported by BBC Sport, is crucial. Haiti, often underestimated, brings flair and unpredictability. Morocco’s deep defending and counter-attacking style, perfected in 2022, should theoretically be well-suited to navigate these encounters, provided the core defensive structure, with or without Hakimi, holds firm. The controversy surrounding their declared victory in the last Africa Cup of Nations, after Senegal’s final walk-off was overturned, adds a layer of psychological fuel to their quest for a more unequivocal global statement on the pitch.

AI Perspective: Tournament Implications and Projected Outcomes

Analyzing the data, Morocco’s World Cup trajectory hinges on a single, high-stakes medical gamble. The squad’s construction reveals a team designed to survive without Hakimi but built to thrive only with him. If Hakimi’s training participation translates into genuine match fitness by the second group-stage game, Morocco’s ceiling rises significantly. They possess the tactical cohesion to frustrate Brazil and secure positive results against Scotland and Haiti. The most direct replacement, Noussair Mazraoui, shifts from a luxury option to a vital Plan A, capable of providing solidity if Hakimi is limited to a substitute role. Brahim Diaz’s creativity will be essential to unlock defenses that sit deep against them, a problem they occasionally faced in 2022.

However, if Hakimi suffers a setback, the loss is more psychological than purely tactical, stripping the squad of its iconic leader during high-pressure moments. The decision to exclude Hakim Ziyech further narrows their creative supply line, placing immense pressure on Diaz. Looking at the knockout permutations through ESPN’s group structure, a second-place finish in Group C likely sets up a Round of 32 clash against a team from Group A (Mexico, South Korea, or Czechia). This is a winnable fixture for a full-strength Morocco, but a compromised squad could struggle against organized, physical opponents. The semi-final dream of 2022 therefore rests not just on tactical execution, but on the fragile hamstring of a world-class full-back, making Morocco the tournament’s most compelling medical watch.