Morocco coach Walid Regragui has confirmed that Achraf Hakimi will be included in the Atlas Lions squad for the 2026 AFCON.
“I want to be clear in my communication: we will do everything we can to ensure that Achraf Hakimi is 100% fit for the match against Comoros (in the opening game on 21st December),” said Regragui. “And even if he isn’t, he’ll be there. Of course he’ll, he’s our best player and our leader.”
Having suffered a ‘severe sprain’ to his right ankle following a tackle by Luis Diaz during the Champions League clash between PSG and Bayern Munich, Hakimi will be sidelined for several weeks. An absence that the 27-year-old full-back, captain of his national team with 88 caps, wants to keep as short as possible. As reported by Foot Mercato, the Parisian is already racing against time to be fit to take his place on the pitch at the Rabat stadium, which will host the first match of the competition.
“If there’s one player who can make a quick comeback, it’s Achraf Hakimi,” Regragui added. “We have one of the best medical teams in the world, like PSG, with whom we have a strong partnership. Our doctor travelled to Paris yesterday. Achraf will be with us for the Africa Cup of Nations, whether on the pitch or in the dressing room. He will only play if he is 100% fit.”
Mazraoui to back up Hakimi
If this were not the case, Manchester United‘s Noussair Mazraoui would replace him on the right flank. A natural backup for Hakimi, the former Ajax player has 33 caps and two goals for Morocco, but has not played a single minute for his country since March due to a series of physical setbacks.
Called up by Regragui for the matches against Mozambique (14/11) and Uganda (18/11), Mazraoui will have the opportunity to prepare himself in case his captain is unable to play. “Noussair Mazraoui will replace Achraf on the right side, and I have confidence in Noussair because he plays the same role as Hakimi,” concluded Regragui.
