Mohamed Wahbi has moved to calm fears over the fitness of Achraf Hakimi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that no player in the Morocco national football team squad is currently out of contention for the tournament.
Questions had emerged regarding Hakimi’s physical condition after reports suggested the Paris Saint-Germain defender suffered an injury during the closing stages of the European season.
However, Wahbi used an appearance on Moroccan broadcaster Al-Riyadiya to reassure supporters that the national team’s medical concerns remain under control as preparations intensify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Morocco have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil national football team, Scotland national football team and Haiti national football team in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most demanding groups.
The Atlas Lions will begin their campaign against Brazil on 13 June at MetLife Stadium before facing Scotland on 19 June and concluding the group stage against Haiti on 24 June.
During the interview, Wahbi explained that the current injuries affecting members of the squad are not considered serious and that the medical staff are closely monitoring each case on a daily basis.
The coach emphasised that the federation is approaching all injury situations carefully given the importance of ensuring players arrive at the World Cup in peak condition.
Wahbi also highlighted the importance of psychological support alongside physical rehabilitation, particularly for players recovering from injuries during such a demanding period of the season.
He said: “Thank God, there is no player out of the selection circle at the moment. All the injured players are able to recover and return, but it is necessary to remain calm and give them enough time to fully regain their readiness.”
He added: “There are two key factors for us; the first is a full recovery from the injury from a medical standpoint, and the second is restoring physical and athletic readiness to a full degree, because participating in the World Cup requires the highest levels of preparation.”
Wahbi’s comments are likely to reassure Moroccan supporters, many of whom have closely followed the condition of several important players in recent weeks.
Alongside Hakimi, concerns had also surrounded defenders Nayef Aguerd and Chadi Riad, as well as midfielder Ismael Saibari, following the heavy schedule at the end of the European club season.
Morocco head into the tournament carrying increased expectations after their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the final four.
Preparations for the 2026 tournament are expected to intensify in the coming days, with the Moroccan squad scheduled to begin a closed training camp at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on 29 May.
The team will then travel to the United States on 3 June to complete final preparations before the start of the competition.
Wahbi’s latest update suggests Morocco remain optimistic that all key players, including Hakimi, will be available as the Atlas Lions attempt to build on their recent international success and challenge some of the world’s strongest teams once again.
