Achraf Hakimi shows confidence and aims for the FIFA Club World Cup final in the States

Photo: Paris Saint-Germain Media

Displaying great serenity on the eve of the start of hostilities, Achraf Hakimi assured that Paris Saint-Germain is ready to take on the challenge of the FIFA Club World Cup. Buoyed by exceptional momentum, punctuated by a historic Champions League victory, the Moroccan full-back believes his team must capitalize on this successful period to go even further.

"Everything is going well, morale is high, we are happy," he confided, emphasizing the need to "maintain this momentum for as long as possible, at least for another month." Determined, Hakimi affirmed that the squad "has prepared well in recent days" and is approaching the competition with a clear objective: to reach the final.

PSG makes its competitive debut this Sunday evening against Atlético Madrid at 8 p.m. (GMT+1) at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. A tough start against a formidable Madrid opponent, in what is already shaping up to be one of the toughest matches of the group stage.

Drawing into Group B, the Parisian club will also face Brazilian side Botafogo and American side Seattle Sounders in a tournament that, for the first time, features 32 teams. This is an unprecedented edition where every misstep can be costly.

If PSG is the favorite, it's also because it arrives in California on the back of a triumphant season, culminating in three major titles, including the famous Champions League. "This European success shouldn't be an end, but a starting point," insists Hakimi. "Now is when the serious stuff begins." We know the competition will be tough, but we are ready, mentally and physically."

Within a dense and ambitious squad, Hakimi remains one of the keystones of Luis Enrique's system, capable of driving rapid transitions, breaking lines, and making an impact in both boxes. His complementarity with the team's key players, such as Mbappé and Vitinha, could prove decisive in a short but intense tournament.

Beyond his collective ambitions, the Moroccan approaches this tournament with the desire to end his season on a high note, with a world title that would take Paris to another level. "We know what we want, and we know our worth," he concludes.

In an America committed to the cause of spectacular football, PSG is expected to deliver. For Hakimi and his team, the time has come to turn promise into consecration.

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.