Achraf Hakimi, PSG full-back and one of the leaders of the Moroccan team, highlighted Brazil’s quality, but assured that his team arrives prepared to compete in the debut of Group C of the 2026 World Cup.
“We all know the quality of the Brazilian players, but we also have a quality team. The Brazilians from Africa call us, we know our strengths,” said the defender at a press conference at the New York Stadium, New Jersey.
Hakimi also referred to Vinícius Júnior, one of the main figures of the Brazilian team. “He is a spectacular player,” he said, adding that it will be necessary to make “a strong defense” to try to neutralize him.
The Moroccan footballer expressed confidence in the work done by his team before the start of the tournament. “We have trained for this and we have prepared for this. I think the team is ready and I am confident that we are going to obtain a good result,” he indicated.
Likewise, he rejected any doubts about Morocco’s competitive potential. “I will never doubt Morocco’s capacity. I am proud to have arrived where we have arrived,” he stated.
Hakimi considered that the match will be balanced and pointed out that effectiveness in front of goal can be decisive.
Brahim Díaz, one of the offensive references
Along with Hakimi, Brahim Díaz is among the players called to take center stage in the team led by Walid Regragui. The Real Madrid playmaker provides offensive generation capacity and will be one of Morocco’s options to try to unbalance the Brazilian defense.
The Moroccan team faces the 2026 World Cup after reaching the semifinals of Qatar 2022, the best performance by an African country in the history of the World Cup.
Brazil, for its part, begins the tournament with the aim of advancing in the group stage and fighting for the title. After facing Brazil, Morocco will play against Scotland on June 19 and will close its participation in the group stage against Haiti on June 24.