Achraf Hakimi's name on Morocco's World Cup squad list is both a relief and a gamble. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back, who captains the Atlas Lions, has not played a competitive minute since suffering a knee injury in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich on 28 April. Yet, head coach Walid Regragui has included the 27-year-old, banking on his leadership and world class ability to overcome a lack of match sharpness.
The injury occurred during a fierce encounter in Munich, and Hakimi subsequently missed PSG's domestic run-in and the decisive second leg of the semi-final. With the Champions League final against Arsenal scheduled for Saturday, Hakimi's appearance in training this week offered a glimmer of hope that he might feature for his club. That he has been deemed fit enough to join his national team suggests the medical assessments are optimistic, though concerns remain about his readiness for a grueling tournament.
Morocco's decision to select Hakimi is understandable given his talismanic status. With 95 international caps, he is one of the most experienced players in the squad. His marauding runs from right-back have become a signature of Morocco's rapid counter-attacking style, which carried them to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Without him, Regragui would lose a vital attacking outlet and a defensive stalwart.
The squad announcement contained several other talking points. Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui, Fulham's Issa Diop, and Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad provide Premier League experience in a backline that also features Marseille's Nayef Aguerd. Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi is a surprise call-up, while Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz adds creative flair after switching allegiance from Spain.
In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat—now at Real Betis after a loan spell with Manchester United—will be expected to anchor, alongside Bilal El Khannouss, the former Leicester playmaker who has flourished at Stuttgart. The omission of Hakim Ziyech, who now plays in Qatar, signals a shift towards younger options, though the ex-Chelsea star was a key figure in the 2022 run.
Morocco enter the tournament as Africa's top-ranked side, sitting eighth in the FIFA rankings. Their recent history is both proud and controversial: after stunning the football world by reaching the last four in Qatar, they were later awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title when Senegal's final victory was overturned following a player walk-off. That ruling, though disputed, has only heightened expectations on the Atlas Lions.
Drawn in Group C alongside Scotland, Brazil, and Haiti, Morocco face a challenging path to the knockout stages. The opening match on 19 June against Scotland will be crucial; Steve Clarke's side is physical and organised, and Morocco must be at their best to secure a positive result. Brazil, always among the favourites, will test their resilience, while Haiti are a wildcard capable of an upset.
For Hakimi, the next few weeks are a delicate balancing act. If he rushes his recovery, PSG's season finale and his own long-term fitness could be jeopardised. Conversely, sitting out the World Cup would be unthinkable for a player of his ambition. Regragui will surely manage his minutes carefully, perhaps using him as a substitute in early games or deploying a more conservative role to limit the strain on his knee.
The Atlas Lions' hopes of another deep run depend heavily on their captain. His ability to link defence and attack, deliver pinpoint crosses, and take set-pieces makes him irreplaceable. Even at 80% fitness, Hakimi's presence on the pitch lifts his teammates and worries opponents. The psychological boost alone may justify the risk.
As Morocco finalise preparations, the wider football world will watch Hakimi's progress closely. His situation mirrors a classic international football dilemma: when a star player is injured, do you gamble on his recovery for the benefit of the national team, or protect his long-term career? Morocco's answer will soon be put to the test on the biggest stage.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.