Hakimi believes Morocco can win World Cup

Hakimi. Credit: wikimedia.

Morocco has never faced this kind of situation at the World Cup before. In past games, we usually took the lead. But the recent matches have been different. We fell behind, but I am proud of how we reacted as a team. That shows we can handle tough situations. Everyone is working hard to help us win. We feel good, but we stay humble. Staying humble helps us perform better. Just like at the 2022 World Cup, we are focusing on each game without thinking too much about how far we can go. Success will come, and the team is committed to that.

People don’t want to see you drop when you reach the top. But there have been many efforts from the King and the FA President to improve Moroccan football. They have worked on our facilities. This has made it easier for us to perform well, and we want to thank them. Football in Morocco will keep getting better. People are talking about it now like never before. We must keep pushing to make all Moroccans and Arabs proud. They supported us a lot in 2022. Not just Arabs, but all Africans too.

We are working hard to qualify for the next round. We want to go as far as we can. The game against the Netherlands was tough because everyone knows how good the Dutch team is. It was challenging for both sides, and we were prepared for the game and the challenges it brought.

The pressure is what people don’t always see. It comes from the expectations others have. But it is good pressure. We stay focused and can hardly see our families. That is the hardest part. Sometimes, the heat is intense, and the pitch conditions are not perfect. Still, we aim to give our best performance for the fans.

Munir (Mohamedi), our second goalkeeper, has a lot of experience. He has been with the national team for a long time. I see him as a leader, even if he doesn’t play. When he speaks, everyone listens. That’s important for the team.

Then we have Bono (Yassine Bounou). He is very calm and always looks for the positive side.

For me, it is no surprise. I have worked with him for many years. Ismael (Saibari) is also making a difference by scoring. I know his talent, and people will see how he plays. He is an important player for us.

I remember Cape Verde in one Africa Cup of Nations. They went far and showed their quality. We also see how African football is growing, especially with how Cape Verde performed at this World Cup. We are proud of that. It is a chance to show the world our abilities and how players can perform at top levels.

We have ambition, and we enjoy our time together. We feel like a family.

I have no doubts. I believe we can do it. We know we have to stay focused in every game. It will be tough, but we will give our best. Maybe one day we will win the World Cup as the first African team and the first in Moroccan history. That would be special.

I stay motivated because I love football. I will continue until my body says stop. I want to win something with Morocco. I feel excited because I want to make my country proud. I have won with my club and want that feeling with my national team too. Reaching the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup was huge. But bringing a trophy to Morocco will be amazing.

No words. Everyone dreams of playing at the World Cup. Scoring there is something few people get to do. It is a dream come true.

My first professional game was at Real Madrid. That was something you work hard for. Playing at the Bernabéu was special. Also, my first game for the national team was against Mali, where I scored my first goal.