Achraf Hakimi, the celebrated captain of the Moroccan national football team, will miss the upcoming match against Tanzania scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025. This unfortunate absence comes after he accumulated three yellow cards—two from recent World Cup qualifying matches.
In a decisive move, Walid Regragui, the team’s head coach, has called up Youssef Belammari, a defender from Raja Club Athletic, to replace Hakimi. The match against Tanzania, a crucial fixture in the 6th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, will take place at the Stade d’Honneur in Oujda at 9:30 PM. Hakimi’s suspension is a significant setback for the Lions of the Atlas, who currently sit at the top of Group E with 12 points.
The decision to replace Hakimi was made after he received yellow cards during matches against Tanzania (a 2-0 victory on March 21) and the Niger (2-1 win). Regragui’s choice to include Belammari highlights not just the depth of the Moroccan squad but also the strategic adjustments the coach is willing to make in light of Hakimi’s absence.
Raja Club Athletic expressed their pride in Belammari's selection through social media, wishing him luck. “We are proud of our player Youssef Belammari for joining the national team for the upcoming match against Tanzania in the World Cup qualifiers. Good luck, Youssef!” the club posted.
At just 24 years old, Belammari is not new to international duties. He previously participated in the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, playing two matches against the Central African Republic, where Morocco secured impressive victories of 5-0 and 4-0. His earlier experiences on the international scene provide him with a solid platform to step up during this crucial match.
The stakes are high as the Lions of the Atlas pursue a flawless run in the World Cup qualifiers, having achieved four consecutive victories so far. Belammari's role in the upcoming match will be to help maintain the defensive stability the team has enjoyed, particularly as they aim for yet another win on their path to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
As they prepare for the match, the squad will be focused not only on winning but also on testing various tactics in Hakimi's absence. Regragui’s strategic insight will be key to navigating the challenges posed by the Tanzanian side, who currently sit tied with Niger in the group standings, each with six points.
The Moroccan team, buoyed by their success and momentum from prior matches, will look to extend their lead in the group and solidify their standings as potential World Cup contenders. This match against Tanzania presents an excellent opportunity for Belammari to showcase his talents and reliability on the defensive front.
With each member of the team understanding the significance of their roles, all eyes will be on the Stade d’Honneur in Oujda as the match unfolds. Fans can expect a fiercely contested match, especially with such critical points at stake as they strive to keep their perfect record alive in these qualifiers.
Commenting on the situation, Regragui stated, “We have great confidence in Youssef. He has shown his capabilities before and we believe he will step up.” This confidence reflects the broader belief within the Moroccan squad that they can adapt effectively in key situations, an essential quality for any aspiring World Cup team.
The absence of Hakimi, despite being a significant loss, is also an invitation for fresh talent like Belammari to make an impact and ensure that Morocco’s campaign for the World Cup continues full steam ahead. With the date for the match fast approaching, both the team and its followers remain poised for what promises to be an exciting encounter.
