Morocco’s national team coach Walid Regragui named Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi in the 26-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, defying medical concerns over his fitness. The inclusion, confirmed via the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s official statement, marks a bold gamble just 90 days after Hakimi underwent arthroscopic surgery in Barcelona to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Hakimi, 28, had been sidelined since mid-September with a recurrence of the injury, which was initially treated non-surgically. His absence forced him to miss five Ligue 1 matches and two Champions League fixtures, raising doubts over his ability to recover in time for the tournament in Qatar. Regragui, however, insisted the defender had shown “exceptional progress” during private training sessions in Doha last week, where he completed full-contact drills without visible discomfort.

Sources close to the federation told reporters that Hakimi has been fitted with a brace to support his knee during high-intensity movements, a precautionary measure intended to mitigate reinjury risk. The squad announcement coincides with Morocco’s final preparatory camp in Marrakech, where players are undergoing altitude training to acclimatize ahead of the competition.

Regragui’s decision underscores Morocco’s aggressive approach to squad selection, mirroring the high-stakes tactics employed by top European teams in recent tournaments. The coach, who led Morocco to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, has prioritized experience and leadership, with Hakimi slated to start at right-back in the opening match against Saudi Arabia on June 14 in Doha.

Morocco’s squad is notably light on defensive reinforcements, with only two specialist right-backs included: Hakimi and AC Milan’s 21-year-old Youssef Aït Bennasser. This lack of depth raises the stakes for Hakimi’s fitness, as any setback could force Morocco to play an inexperienced player out of position. The federation has not disclosed whether Hakimi will undergo additional medical imaging before the tournament.

The inclusion of a player with a recent injury history reflects a broader trend in modern football, where squad depth and psychological resilience are often prioritized over absolute fitness guarantees. Analysts note that Hakimi’s recovery timeline aligns closely with that of former Morocco captain Mehdi Benatia, who played through a similar knee issue during the 2018 World Cup.

1. June 14 — Morocco’s opening match vs. Saudi Arabia in Doha
2. June 20 — Potential clash with Portugal in Group B
3. July 2 — Round of 16 knockout stage (if Morocco advances)

Regragui’s squad announcement also includes 11 uncapped players, signaling Morocco’s intent to blend youth with experience. Among them is 19-year-old winger Amine Adli, who has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. for his dribbling ability. The blend of established stars like Hakimi and emerging talents like Adli underscores Morocco’s ambition to build on its 2022 breakthrough and challenge for the title in 2026.