Achraf Hakimi has given his clearest signal yet that Morocco are primed for their opening Group C fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a high-stakes encounter against Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil on Saturday night.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy just last month, spoke with unmistakable confidence at a pre-match press conference, acknowledging Brazil's pedigree while insisting the Atlas Lions carry genuine quality of their own.

Defending Vinicius as a unit

Hakimi singled out Brazil's Vinicius as the primary threat but stressed that neutralising him would be a collective effort. "I think everyone knows the Brazilian national team, we know Vinicius' qualities. I've already played against him many times and he's a great player. To defend against Vinicius and the other Brazilian players, who are all top-level, you have to defend as a team, with clear ideas," he told reporters.

"I believe that we have trained and prepared for this kind of match. I think the team is ready. Personally, I feel ready and I have the confidence needed to play a great match and deliver a great performance," Hakimi added.

The Brazilians of Africa

The full-back was equally emphatic about Morocco's own credentials, invoking an affectionate tag that has long followed the Atlas Lions on the continent. "We know Brazil, its history, the quality of its players. But we also have quality. In Africa, they call us the 'Brazilians of Africa.' We are talented players and we have our strengths," he said.

Hakimi expressed belief that the squad could produce something meaningful at this tournament — with the backing of Moroccan supporters worldwide driving them forward.

One game at a time

Morocco made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Hakimi, however, is keeping his sights firmly on the immediate task rather than dreaming of surpassing that landmark.

"We are completely focused on the first match, on tomorrow. We want to start in the best possible way. Then we will think match by match, trying to go as far as possible and do better than at the last World Cup. But right now we are only thinking about tomorrow, about delivering the best possible performance and winning the match, which is what we want," the defender said.