Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has pinpointed Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi as the biggest danger ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 encounter. The Dutch manager believes containing the Paris Saint-Germain full-back will be crucial as the Oranje look to book their place in the quarter-finals.
The Netherlands enter the knockout fixture on the back of an impressive group-stage campaign, while Morocco have continued to underline their credentials as one of the tournament's strongest sides after progressing from Group C.
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Ronald Koeman highlights Achraf Hakimi's influence
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Koeman identified Hakimi as Morocco's standout player and stressed that his side must be fully prepared to deal with the defender's attacking threat.
"He is the star man and a very good right-back, so we have to prepare ourselves very well for him."
Hakimi has once again been one of Morocco's standout performers during the tournament, providing leadership and attacking quality from the right flank. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch has made him one of the team's most influential players heading into the knockout stages.
Netherlands brace for heated World Cup encounter
The Oranje secured their place in the Round of 32 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia in their final group-stage fixture. The result capped a strong opening phase of the tournament and boosted confidence ahead of the knockout rounds.
Defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who scored his first international goal against Tunisia, also acknowledged the magnitude of the upcoming contest.
"These are the games you want to play at a World Cup. I think it's going to be a very heated match."
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The Netherlands will now travel to Monterrey, where they will face the reigning African champions in one of the standout ties of the Round of 32. With Morocco's technical quality and the Dutch side's attacking firepower, the fixture promises to be one of the most closely watched knockout matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026.