Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has singled out Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi as the primary threat ahead of his team's round of 32 match against Morocco at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Dutch secured top spot in Group F with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia at Kansas City Stadium on June 25, finishing the group stage unbeaten with two wins and one draw.
Koeman highlights Hakimi as key danger
Speaking to NOS as quoted by Goal.com, Koeman said: "He is the star man and a very good right-back, so we have to prepare ourselves very well for him." Hakimi, who captains Morocco, was instrumental in the African side's historic run to the semifinals in the 2022 World Cup – the first African team to achieve that feat.
Dutch players anticipate intense contest
Defender Jean Paul Van Hecke expressed eagerness for the matchup: "These are the games you want to play at a World Cup. I think it is going to be a very heated match." Captain Virgil van Dijk described Morocco as a "great team with a lot of footballing quality, but also a team that is vulnerable." Midfielder Frenkie de Jong noted that Morocco's performance against Brazil left a "strong impression" on him. "Of course, they reached the semifinals at the last World Cup, and I think they have a few very good players. It is going to be a beautiful match," he said.
Match details and context
The Netherlands will travel to Monterrey for the round of 32 clash scheduled for June 30. Morocco advanced from Group H after finishing second behind Portugal. The Dutch have shown strong form, scoring seven goals in the group stage while conceding three. Koeman's side will rely on experienced players like Van Dijk and De Jong to counter Hakimi's pace and attacking prowess from right-back.
