Walid Regragui praises Hakimi, El Kaabi and Bounou ahead of final World Cup qualifier
Walid Regragui congratulated Achraf Hakimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, and Yassine Bounou for their recent achievements as Morocco prepared for the final round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Atlas Lions coach commended his players during the team’s latest training camp, highlighting their outstanding form at club level.
Regragui reserved special praise for Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi, who finished sixth in the France Football Ballon d’Or rankings — the highest ever position for a Maghreb player.
“We must congratulate Achraf for finishing sixth in the Ballon d’Or,” Regragui told his squad at the start of the gathering.
“It is a record in the Maghreb. He is the first Maghrebi to achieve this ranking. He sets a strong example, and I hope to see him climb to fifth, fourth, third, second, and ultimately win the Ballon d’Or.”
Hakimi’s recognition follows another stellar year for the right-back, who continues to play a key role for both club and country.
Regragui urged him to aim higher and continue inspiring young Moroccan talents.
The coach also delivered words of encouragement to El Kaabi, who lifted the Greek Super League title with Olympiakos after a prolific season.
El Kaabi’s performances in Europe underline his evolution as one of Morocco’s most reliable forwards, a key asset for the national team heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Regragui extended his praise to Bounou, who recently claimed the award for best goalkeeper with his club.
The shot-stopper’s consistency and leadership remain vital for Morocco’s defensive strength, and his recognition adds to a list of individual accolades.
Morocco have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup and will complete their campaign against Congo on Matchday 10.
The fixture originally scheduled for Matchday 9 against Eritrea was cancelled after their opponents withdrew from the qualifiers early in the campaign.
With their place at the tournament confirmed, the Atlas Lions’ focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and sharpening their preparations.
Regragui views these final matches as an opportunity to reinforce team chemistry and reward players for their dedication.
Morocco’s qualification underlines their consistency and growth since the 2022 World Cup, where they made history by reaching the semi-finals.
The team’s continued success relies on the blend of individual brilliance and collective strength displayed by stars like Hakimi, El Kaabi, and Bounou.
Regragui’s public praise aims to motivate the squad ahead of a crucial year for Moroccan football.
The coach believes celebrating individual achievements strengthens the team’s unity and inspires younger players to follow in their footsteps.
The Atlas Lions will use their final qualifier to fine-tune tactics and test combinations before shifting their attention to preparations for the tournament.
With leaders across all positions, Morocco enter the next phase of their journey full of confidence and ambition.
مدربنا السيد وليد الركراكي يهنئ أسودنا على أدائهم المميز في الساحة العالمية 🌟
Coach Hoalid Regragui congratulates our Lions for their outstanding performance on the world stage 👏🏻🫡#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/lZXCg9N8Kp
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) October 6, 2025
