Morocco's national football team captain Achraf Hakimi praised his team's mental strength following their performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports from the tournament. The statement came after Morocco's campaign, which saw them advance to the knockout stages for the second consecutive World Cup.
Hakimi, a key defender for Paris Saint-Germain, highlighted the team's resilience in a post-match interview. 'We showed great mental strength throughout the tournament,' he said, as quoted by multiple sports outlets. Morocco's run included a notable group stage victory over Belgium and a hard-fought draw against Croatia.
The Atlas Lions ultimately exited in the round of 16, losing to Portugal in a tightly contested match. Despite the elimination, Hakimi emphasized the team's growth and unity. 'This team has a bright future. We fought until the end,' he added.
Morocco's performance builds on their historic semifinal run in 2022, where they became the first African team to reach that stage. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featured expanded participation with 48 teams.
