World Cup 2026: Achraf Hakimi equals Asamoah Gyan’s appearance record

Achraf Hakimi’s remarkable international career reached another historic milestone on Saturday night as the Morocco captain equalled the record for the most FIFA World Cup appearances by an African player.

The 26-year-old defender featured in Morocco’s 1-1 draw against Brazil in their opening Group C fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking his total number of appearances at the global tournament to 11.

The achievement places Hakimi alongside two African football legends, Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan and Cameroon’s François Omam-Biyik, who previously held the continental record.

Hakimi Joins Exclusive African Company

For more than a decade, Hakimi has been one of Africa’s most consistent performers on the international stage, and his latest appearance has cemented his place among the continent’s World Cup greats.

His 11 appearances have been accumulated across three different editions of the tournament, highlighting both his longevity and importance to the Moroccan national team.

The right-back first appeared at the World Cup in Russia in 2018, where he played in all three of Morocco’s group-stage matches. Four years later, he became one of the faces of Morocco’s historic campaign in Qatar, featuring seven times as the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

His appearance against Brazil at the 2026 tournament has now brought him level with Gyan and Omam-Biyik at the top of the African all-time list.

A Symbol of Morocco’s Golden Generation

Hakimi’s rise has mirrored Morocco’s emergence as one of the strongest footballing nations in the world.

As captain, he has become a leader both on and off the pitch, helping guide the Atlas Lions through one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history.

Against Brazil, he once again demonstrated the qualities that have made him one of the world’s most respected full-backs, contributing to a disciplined Moroccan performance that earned a valuable point against the five-time world champions.

Opportunity to Break the Record

While matching the record is a significant accomplishment, Hakimi now has the opportunity to move clear of both Gyan and Omam-Biyik before the tournament concludes.

With Morocco expected to progress beyond the group stage, the defender could soon become the outright African record holder for World Cup appearances.

For now, however, Hakimi shares a place in history with two of African football’s most celebrated figures, a testament to his consistency, leadership and influence on the biggest stage in world football.