Morocco's Hakimi: 'We are called the Brazilians of Africa' ahead of World Cup clash with Brazil

Morocco's star defender Achraf Hakimi is bracing for a tough World Cup 2026 debut against powerhouse Brazil, scheduled for Saturday, June 13. Hakimi acknowledged Brazil's renowned talent but stressed that Morocco possesses a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

"We are called the 'Brazilians of Africa,'" Hakimi stated, referencing the skill and flair often associated with Moroccan players. "We know our strengths." The Paris Saint-Germain player recognized the threat posed by Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr., calling him "a spectacular player." Hakimi believes Morocco can only contain him through "strong defense."

Despite the formidable reputation of their opponents, Hakimi expressed confidence in his team's preparation. "We have trained and prepared for this. I believe the team is ready, and I am confident we will achieve a good result," he declared. He cautioned against labeling Morocco as favorites, suggesting that Brazil, despite not displaying the same dominance as in past decades, still presents a significant challenge.

Hakimi anticipates a closely contested match, predicting a "fairly balanced" game. He emphasized the importance of "effectiveness" in front of goal as a key factor for Morocco to secure a positive outcome against the South American giants.

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