Achraf Hakimi, a player currently in superb form at Paris Saint-Germain, continues to add historic milestones to his career with the Moroccan national team.

On this occasion, the right-back put in a standout performance in the 4-2 victory over Haiti in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, was named man of the match and equalled a record that had stood since France 1998.

The player, who has been nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’, took charge of leading the team managed by Mohamed Ouahbi in a crucial match for the ‘Atlas Lions’ hopes in the tournament.

With a goal and an assist before half-time, Hakimi demonstrated why he is considered one of the best in the world in his position and why he is one of the most influential players in Morocco’s history.

The Moroccan with the most World Cup appearances

The match against the Central American side marked Hakimi’s 13th World Cup appearance – a figure never before seen in Moroccan football.

His journey began with his debut at Russia 2018 and reached new heights during the historic Qatar 2022 campaign, where Morocco stunned the world by becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

With this latest match under his belt, the defender has climbed to the top of the list of Moroccan players with the most World Cup appearances:

  • Achraf Hakimi: 13 matches played

  • Hakim Ziyech: 10 matches played

  • Azzedine Ounahi: 10 matches played

With Morocco’s place in the tournament now secured, the full-back will have the opportunity to continue extending a record that is shaping up to be legendary.

A feat not repeated since France 1998

Hakimi shone in the first half against Haiti. In the 39th minute, the captain of the ‘Lions’ popped up in the attacking third to open the scoring with a clinical finish.

A few minutes later, just before the half-time break, he provided a superb assist for Ismail Saibari to extend the lead on the scoreboard.

Thanks to this performance, he became only the second Moroccan footballer in the history of the World Cup to score a goal and provide an assist in the same match.

The only previous instance was achieved by the legendary striker Abdeljalil Hadda, popularly known as “Kamacho”, who pulled off the same feat against Scotland at the 1998 World Cup in France.

“It’s the best moment of my career” – Achraf Hakimi, in the mixed zone

Morocco’s opponent for the round of 16 confirmed

In purely sporting terms, the victory saw Morocco finish second in Group C, behind Brazil only on goal difference.

With qualification secured, the African side will face the Netherlands in the round of 16, having finished top of Group F.