Key Moroccan Players Who Could Challenge France at the 2026 World Cup

Achraf Hakimi stands as the most prominent figure Moroccan football has ever seen. While legends like Larbi Ben Barek, Noureddine Naybet, and Yassine Bounou have all earned admiration, Hakimi occupies a different level of fame. His career began at Real Madrid before moving on to Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and eventually Paris Saint-Germain. In 2025, he celebrated his first Champions League win with PSG. He once remarked, "I don’t know if Luis Enrique changed my career, but his arrival changed how the football world sees me." Unfortunately, in February, Hakimi faced serious allegations of rape, which he strongly denies.

Rising Talent: Neil El Aynaoui

Though only joining the Moroccan national team in September 2025, Neil El Aynaoui quickly became one of the Atlas Lions’ standout players. Son of Moroccan tennis star Younes El Ayanoui, Neil is a versatile midfielder known for his ball-winning skills and eagerness to contribute offensively. After proving himself at Lens, he transferred to Roma last summer. Despite early doubts from fans and limited appearances, he grew into an essential player under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Morocco’s hopes in the North American tournament will depend heavily on El Aynaoui’s impact.

The Unsung Leader: Noussair Mazraoui

Noussair Mazraoui is a tireless presence on the pitch. Though primarily a right back, his adaptability is remarkable—he has filled roles ranging from center back to attacking midfield during his time at Manchester United. For Morocco, Mazraoui often plays left back, supporting Hakimi by slotting into central defense when Hakimi pushes forward. His leadership shines especially when Hakimi is absent; he keeps the squad focused and motivated, proving his deep commitment to the team's success.

This article was originally written by Amine El Amri for SKWAD by 2M TV and shared through the Guardian Sports Network.