Achraf Hakimi (22nd) and Brahim Diaz (83rd) feature in the top 100 players expected to shine at the 2026 World Cup, according to the prestigious British outlet The Athletic. These two Atlas Lions embody the rapid rise of Moroccan football, now ranked 8th in the FIFA standings and considered a top-tier outsider.
Morocco is no longer a surprise: historic semi-finalists in 2022, Walid Regragui’s men boast a ruthless defensive structure and creativity boosted by world-class talent. Hakimi, hailed as “by far the best right-back in the world,” excels both for club and country with his blistering runs and pinpoint crosses. Diaz, meanwhile, is thriving this season: his sharp attacking play and vision make him a key asset in unlocking tight situations.
A Quarter-Final Run Predicted by Experts
The Athletic predicts the Atlas Lions will reach the quarter-finals, driven by these two stars. In Group C, behind Brazil, Morocco would dominate Scotland and Haiti before defeating Sweden (2–0, with a Diaz penalty) and South Korea (2–0) in the knockout stages, eventually falling to France. Bilal El Khannouss and Yassine Bounou complete this solid core, while lethal transitions led by runners like Hakimi strike fear into opponents.
This recognition crowns a golden generation: 8th in the FIFA rankings after a semi-final run at AFCON 2025, ahead of Belgium and Germany, Morocco relies on defensive intensity, Diaz’s impact in breaking deadlocks, and strong game management under pressure. With Group F opponents in mixed form (Brazil beaten by France, Haiti proving resilient), the draw appears favorable. For 2026, the Atlas Lions are no longer aiming to surprise—but to reach the podium.