Achraf Hakimi has reached a major milestone in his international career after making his 100th appearance for Morocco during their World Cup knockout match against the Netherlands.
The 27-year-old right-back and captain was named in the starting line-up for the Round of 32 tie, marking a century of caps in a career that has placed him at the centre of Morocco’s rise on the global stage.
Hakimi’s journey with the national team began in October 2016, when he made his senior debut as a substitute in a 4-0 friendly win over Canada.
Since then, he has developed into one of Morocco’s most influential figures, consistently selected across three World Cup tournaments and multiple major competitions.
His 100th appearance came in one of the highest-pressure environments possible, with Morocco facing the Netherlands for a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
It also extended his growing record of appearances at football’s biggest tournament.
Hakimi’s World Cup involvement now spans 14 matches across three editions.
He featured three times at Russia 2018, played seven matches during Morocco’s historic 2022 campaign, and has started all four games at the 2026 tournament so far.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Hakimi played every match as Morocco made history by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals.
One of the defining moments of that run came when he scored the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over Spain in the last 16, a moment that remains one of the most iconic in Moroccan football history.
Following that tournament, Hakimi’s role within the squad grew further as he assumed the captaincy and became a central leadership figure in a team blending experience with emerging talent.
His latest milestone also highlights his standing beyond Morocco.
Hakimi has already become the most experienced African player in World Cup history in terms of appearances, underlining his consistency at the highest level.
At domestic and international level combined, his influence continues to grow. He has also become one of Morocco’s most decorated modern players, combining defensive reliability with attacking output.
Statistically, Hakimi’s contribution against the Netherlands reflected his all-round influence. He created three chances, including two considered big chances, and delivered two accurate long balls from three attempts.
Defensively, he made three interceptions and three recoveries, contributing six defensive actions overall. He also won three of five ground duels and earned an 8.0 match rating.
Attention is now also turning to another landmark, with Hakimi closing in on Noureddine Naybet’s long-standing Morocco appearance record of 115 caps.
The former Deportivo La Coruña and Tottenham defender remains the most capped men’s player in Morocco’s history, but Hakimi is now just 15 matches away from equalling that figure.
At 27, Hakimi still has time on his side, and if he maintains his current trajectory, he could eventually surpass a record that has stood for years.
For Morocco, his 100th appearance is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of a player who has been central to the country’s most successful modern era on the world stage.
