Rabat – Leading sports outlet The Athletic has listed Moroccan stars Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz among the top 100 players to watch for the 2026 World Cup.
The ranking highlights elite players ahead of the highly anticipated tournament, which will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Hakimi secured the 22nd spot, confirming his place among the world’s elite full-backs. His high ranking follows a string of dominant performances for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team.
Ranking as the world’s highest full-back on the list, the 27-year-old holds the title of African Footballer of the Year, following a season that saw him finish sixth for the Ballon d’Or voting.
The list also features Diaz in 83rd position, following a breakout season highlighted by a historic performance at the 2025 AFCON, where he won the Golden Boot and became the first player in the tournament’s history to score in five consecutive matches.
After joining the Atlas Lions in early 2024, Diaz, 26, has established himself as a cornerstone of Morocco’s attack. He is now recognized as one of the most impactful talents heading into the next World Cup.
The Athletic based its list on criteria including current form, career achievements, importance to the national team, and market value, featuring some of the biggest names in world football.
Leading the rankings are Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lamine Yamal.
The rankings also feature top Arab and African stars, with Mohamed Salah leading the group in the 19th spot, followed by Sadio Mané (38th) and Riyad Mahrez (64th).
The World Cup kicks off in June 2026, as the first edition to feature 48 teams, with Morocco competing in Group C against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
The Atlas Lions face a major test in their opener against Brazil on June 13, followed by matches against Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24.
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