World Cup 2026: Hakimi rejects the idea of luck and sets his sights on bigger goals

After Morocco's qualification to the round of 16, the national team captain delivers a powerful message

Africa 30 June 2026 at 06:17

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World Cup 2026: Hakimi rejects the idea of luck and sets his sights on bigger goals

29.06.26 AP World Cup

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Morocco has become the first African nation to qualify for the round of 16 at the World Cup after their dramatic victory (1-1, 3-2 on penalties) over the Netherlands on Monday night. Following this wild round of 16 clash, Achraf Hakimi reflected on Morocco’s journey in the previous World Cup in Qatar.

The Atlas Lions’ captain emphasized that reaching the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup was anything but a fluke.
“Many thought what happened in Qatar was just luck. But today, hard work has paid off,” Hakimi stated.

Achraf Hakimi: “Yes, many people thought what happened in 2022 was just luck, but we are here proving more.”

A strong message from the Atlas Lions captain backing Morocco’s consistency on the biggest stage. #WorldCupwithMicky #FIFAWorldCup #AtlasLions pic.twitter.com/VYNeHKASES
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) June 30, 2026

The defender also highlighted the team’s collective spirit: “We have stayed humble and focused since the beginning, and we will keep going until the end, God willing.”

This message echoes the statements of Mohamed Wahbi, Yassine Bounou, and even Diop: Morocco has big ambitions in this edition of the World Cup. The Atlas Lions are not content with merely reaching the round of 16 against Canada.