Morocco rally behind Achraf Hakimi after French court confirms rape trial and World Cup win over Scotland

Court confirms rape trial

A Versailles appeals court ruled on 19 June 2026 that Achraf Hakimi must face trial on a rape charge. The court said there were "sufficient charges" against the Paris Saint-Germain right-back, who is accused of raping a 24-year-old woman at his home in a Paris suburb in March 2023. Hakimi, 27, denies the allegation and had appealed a February order by an investigative judge to send him to trial. After the ruling, he posted on X that he awaited the trial "with impatience" and that he felt he was "an easy target."

Justice looked me in the eyes and said to me: 'If you weren't famous, there never would have been a case.'

Morocco secure victory amid boos

On the same day, Hakimi started for Morocco in a Group C match against Scotland at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough. He was met with loud jeers from the Tartan Army at every touch. Midfielder Ismael Saibari scored the only goal, giving the 1-0 win. Morocco now have four points and next face Haiti on 24 June in Atlanta.

Coach and team rally behind captain

After the match, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi dismissed any notion that the legal developments had unsettled his side. "He woke up in the morning, ate like everybody, he was focused, he wanted to play strongly and that's what he did. We don't have to say anything, we're behind him, he's very relaxed," Ouahbi said. He called Hakimi "the best wingback in the world" and stressed the importance of support from "the 44 million Moroccans" following the team.

Did you see the game? I suppose you did. Hakimi was extraordinary so we're very relaxed, he's very relaxed and I believe he played really well.

Legal battle ahead

Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer for the plaintiff, said her client felt "a sense of relief and hope" after more than three years of proceedings. Hakimi's lawyer, Fanny Colin, told BFM TV that former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé would likely be called as a witness. Mbappé had previously told investigators that Hakimi described mutual intimate touching but no refusal. The trial is expected to take place in 2027 before the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court.