Morocco’s Hakimi Set to Replace Saïss as National Team Captain

Romain Saïss who was not called up for the two matches of the international break of the Atlas Lions against Angola (1-0) and Mauritania (0-0) could return to the national team. But his return does not guarantee him a place in the Moroccan team to participate in the next Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) or that he will regain his captain’s armband that his teammate Hakim Ziyech wore during the last matches of the Atlas Lions. Walid Regragui, coach of the Moroccan national team, plans to choose Achraf Hakimi as the new captain of the Atlas Lions, due to his very strong relationships with all the players of the team, believes the site WinWin.

This possible choice is also justified by the fact that the Moroccan right-back of PSG now has significant powers with the Atlas Lions, enjoys special privileges, but is also consulted on many aspects concerning the national team. His remarkable career (stints at Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and now PSG) also argues in favor of the 25-year-old player.

After Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Walid Regragui is flying to Europe, still in search of many Moroccan players he could call up for the matches against Zambia and Congo scheduled in June as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The match between the Atlas Lions and the Chipolopolos will take place in Agadir, while the one against the Congolese will be held on Congolese territory.