File photo: Hakim Ziyech has not played for Morocco since 2024. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Brazil and Morocco faced off in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener at the MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium) on Sunday.

Morocco lit up the global stage in Qatar four ⁠years ago, becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals after knocking out Spain and Portugal

Why is Hakim Ziyech not playing in Brazil vs Morocco match?

Hakim Ziyech currently plays in the Moroccan top-tier club Wydad AC. His last appearance for Morocco came in 2024 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Lesotho.

Since then, the 33-year-old has faced fitness issues, which led to him being left out by the then-head coach, Walid Regragui. He has made 64 international appearances for Morocco, recording 25 goals and 12 assists in that period.

Published on Jun 14, 2026