What happened?
On Friday morning, the Moroccan Football Federation confirmed Hakimi’s place in the starting eleven for the World Cup group‑stage fixture versus Scotland at Boston Stadium. The announcement came just hours after French prosecutors disclosed that the defender will appear before a criminal court on a rape charge. Hakimi’s appeal against the referral to criminal court was rejected, meaning the trial will proceed while he remains on the pitch.
Why it matters for Hakimi
The defender featured in Morocco’s first tournament game, a 1‑0 loss to Brazil, before the legal news broke. If convicted, he could face a suspension that would end his World Cup campaign and jeopardize his role at PSG. Even the mere presence of a pending trial can affect a player’s focus, team morale, and market value. Clubs often weigh legal risk heavily when negotiating contracts, and Hakimi’s situation is a stark reminder of how off‑field issues intersect with on‑field performance.
How does this compare to other players?
Hakimi is not the only World Cup participant dealing with legal trouble. Ghana’s Thomas Partey was denied a visa to Canada after authorities cited a rape accusation in London. Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder, missed Ghana’s opener against Panama and will only be eligible for the Black Stars’ match against England on Tuesday in Boston. Both cases highlight how criminal investigations can disrupt national team plans, though the outcomes differ by jurisdiction.
What comes next?
The French court is set to hear Hakimi’s case later this month. Until a verdict is delivered, the defender will continue to train with PSG and travel with the Moroccan squad. Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, has emphasized that the team will focus on the match against Scotland, which kicks off at 20:00 local time. A win would boost Morocco’s chances of advancing, while a loss could see them finish bottom of the group.
How will the match unfold?
Scotland arrives in Boston with a disciplined back line, but Morocco’s attack, anchored by Hakimi’s pace down the right flank, poses a constant threat. If Hakimi can deliver his usual overlapping runs and accurate crosses, Morocco may create scoring opportunities despite the defensive pressure. The game’s outcome will hinge on whether the Atlas Lions can convert possession into goals while keeping their defense tight.
The world will watch not only the football but also the legal drama surrounding Hakimi. His performance on June 19 could become a defining moment in a career already marked by high‑profile transfers and international success.