Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi faces criticism after World Cup defeat to France

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has come under criticism following the Atlas Lions’ quarter-final elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with attention focused on both his performance during the defeat to France and his actions after the final whistle.

The Paris Saint-Germain full-back was among the players expected to lead Morocco’s challenge as they sought to overcome France and erase the disappointment of their meeting at the 2022 World Cup.

Instead, the Atlas Lions were unable to find a way through a well-organised French side, ending their campaign in the last eight.

Several of Morocco’s key players struggled to influence the contest. Bilal El Khannouss, Brahim Diaz and Ayyoub Bouaddi were all substituted during the match as coach Mohamed Ouahbi attempted to change the course of the game.

Hakimi, who has been one of Morocco’s standout performers in recent years, found it difficult to impose himself in his usual attacking role.

Frequently occupied by defensive responsibilities, he was unable to provide the attacking influence that has become one of his trademarks. His deliveries from set-piece situations also failed to produce the desired impact.

According to Lebrief, Ouahbi admitted after the match that Morocco fell short collectively in several important areas. The coach acknowledged that his team lacked creativity, physical freshness and effectiveness during transitions, the moments when possession is regained before launching attacks.

The discussion surrounding Hakimi, however, extended beyond his display on the pitch.

Images shared on social media after the match showed the Morocco captain smiling while speaking with several of his Paris Saint-Germain teammates.

The footage prompted criticism from some supporters, who felt the reaction was inappropriate given the disappointment of Morocco’s elimination at such an advanced stage of the tournament.

The images quickly became a talking point among fans, adding another layer to the debate surrounding the team’s exit from the competition.

While some criticism focused on Hakimi individually, Ouahbi’s assessment placed greater emphasis on the collective performance, recognising that Morocco struggled against a French side that executed its game plan effectively.

The result ended Morocco’s hopes of progressing beyond the quarter-finals, while Hakimi’s display and post-match conduct have continued to generate discussion in the days following the Atlas Lions’ World Cup exit.