Achraf Hakimi earns place among FOX Sports’ top 10 players for 2026 World Cup

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi has been recognised as one of the leading players set to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being ranked eighth in FOX Sports’ list of the top 100 players heading into the tournament.

The Atlas Lions defender joins an elite group of football stars in the top 10, further highlighting his growing influence on the global stage ahead of the competition in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Exclusive Company in the Top 10

Hakimi shares a place among football’s biggest names, including Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Vitinha, and Pedri. Notably, the Moroccan international is the only defender included in FOX Sports’ top 10 selections.

While the ranking is an editorial assessment rather than an official FIFA classification, it reflects the high regard in which the 27 year old is held ahead of the global showpiece.

Success Continues at Club Level

Hakimi arrives at the World Cup on the back of an impressive spell with Paris Saint-Germain. He played a pivotal role in the club’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2025, scoring the opening goal in a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final.

The Moroccan defender also featured prominently in PSG’s successful 2026 European campaign as the French giants defended their title. The club secured another Champions League crown after overcoming Arsenal in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Budapest.

A Proven World Cup Performer

Hakimi’s reputation extends beyond club football. He was one of Morocco’s standout performers during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi finals.

The right back featured in every match during that remarkable run and etched his name into Moroccan football history by converting the decisive penalty against Spain in the round of 16. His successful spot kick sent Morocco into the quarter finals for the first time ever.

A Key Figure for Morocco

Since making his senior debut for Morocco in 2016, Hakimi has developed into one of the national team’s most experienced and influential players. FOX Sports identified him as one of the key figures in Morocco’s World Cup squad, pointing to both his achievements with PSG and his tally of 88 international appearances.

As Morocco prepares for another World Cup challenge, Hakimi is expected to play a central role in a squad packed with talent from Europe’s top leagues.

Expectations Rising for the Atlas Lions

Following their historic achievements in Qatar, Morocco heads into the 2026 World Cup carrying greater expectations than ever before. With Hakimi enjoying outstanding form at club level and earning recognition among FOX Sports’ top 10 players in the world, he is once again set to be one of the main attractions in Walid Regragui’s squad.

His ranking serves as further proof of his status as one of football’s elite performers and one of the players to watch closely when the tournament gets underway.