Boos for Hakimi, belief in Morocco: World Cup captain ‘totally unfazed’ as rape trial looms (opens original article in a new tab)

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi led his team to a 1-0 win against Scotland at the 2026 World Cup while facing a rape trial in France for an alleged 2023 incident. Hakimi remained unfazed by crowd disapproval and his coach defended him, stating he was focused on the match. A French court rejected his appeal against the charges, allowing the case to proceed.

• Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi led his team to a 1-0 win against Scotland at the 2026 World Cup
• Hakimi was ordered to stand trial in France for the 2023 rape of a 24-year-old woman in Paris
• Hakimi's team coach stated he was focused and determined during the match despite crowd disapproval
• A French appeals court rejected Hakimi's appeal against the rape charges, allowing the case to proceed