As Achraf Hakimi embarks on his third World Cup journey with the Moroccan national team, he arrives in the United States as both a captain and a star player, embodying the aspirations of a squad that has made significant strides on the world stage. Despite the weight of serious allegations hanging over him, Hakimi remains focused, demonstrating resilience and determination as he prepares to lead his team in the tournament.
In late May, while gearing up for the UEFA Champions League final, which he ultimately won with Paris Saint-Germain against Arsenal, Hakimi accompanied his lawyer, Fanny Colin, to file an appeal against a court decision that could see him prosecuted for the alleged sexual assault of a young woman in February 2023. The ruling from the French judiciary is expected to be announced on Friday, coinciding with Morocco's second match of the World Cup 2026 against Scotland in Foxborough, near Boston.
Hakimi's Role as Captain
Despite the looming legal challenges, Hakimi, who has denied the allegations, appears unfazed, concentrating fully on his athletic development and the progress of the Moroccan team. Four years ago, during the World Cup in Qatar, he played a pivotal role but without the responsibilities of a captain. This time around, the 27-year-old right-back takes on the mantle of leadership, carrying with him a part of the pressure associated with a team that reached the semifinals in the previous edition of the tournament.
The narrative surrounding Morocco has transformed significantly. As the first African nation to reach the semifinals of the World Cup, the expectations have heightened not only for the team but also for Hakimi, widely regarded as the best player in his position after five successful seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, during which he secured back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026.
The opening match for Morocco against Brazil, which ended in a 1-1 draw on June 14 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, underscored the new ambitions of the team. Hakimi maintained his crucial position, seamlessly transitioning between defense and midfield, a role he fulfills at his club under the guidance of Spanish coach Luis Enrique. Following the match, he expressed his optimism on social media, describing the start of the tournament as "promising and filled with challenges," a reflection of the confidence he has in himself and his teammates.
Overcoming Injuries
This season, Hakimi has also demonstrated remarkable resilience, swiftly recovering from two significant injuries. The first was an ankle injury just before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, raising concerns in Morocco, and the second was a thigh injury a month before the Champions League final, causing anxiety among PSG fans about the potential absence of one of their key players. In both instances, Hakimi made timely comebacks, leading Morocco to victory in the Africa Cup, which was awarded to the host nation after a controversial decision by the CAF Appeals Committee, despite Senegal's on-field triumph. He also played a crucial role in the Champions League final, going the full 120 minutes and converting the fourth penalty in the shootout.
Now, as he prepares to continue his upward trajectory with the Moroccan national team against Scotland, there is no room for doubt in Hakimi's mindset. He remains focused and determined, ready to seize the moment and lead his team to new heights.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
