Morocco Coach Mohamed Ouahbi Backs Achraf Hakimi After French Court Confirms Rape Trial Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Morocco’s national team head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has come out in firm support of captain Achraf Hakimi, despite the Paris Saint-Germain right-back facing significant legal and public pressure after a French appeals court confirmed he will stand trial over rape allegations — charges the 27-year-old has consistently denied.

The backdrop to Morocco’s Group C fixture against Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was far from straightforward. Hakimi was subjected to loud jeering from sections of the crowd throughout the match, a direct reflection of the heightened public scrutiny surrounding his legal situation. Rather than allow the off-field controversy to overshadow the result, Ouahbi responded sharply to media questioning after the game, stating: “Hakimi was extraordinary. He had a very strong game, so we’re very relaxed, and he’s especially relaxed.”

On the pitch, Morocco demonstrated resilience and composure to claim a 1-0 victory over Scotland, a result that lifted the Atlas Lions to four points in Group C. The win was defined early by midfielder Ismael Saibari, who broke the deadlock after just 71 seconds — the fastest goal recorded at the tournament so far. Morocco managed the game effectively from that point, maintaining control before withstanding a late Scottish push relying heavily on long balls into the box.

The result continues an unbeaten run for Morocco at the tournament and puts them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages. Ouahbi confirmed he intends to name a full-strength squad for their final Group C fixture against Haiti on Wednesday, with the coach targeting first place in the group.

Hakimi’s legal case has drawn widespread attention beyond the football world. The French appeals court’s decision to confirm that he will stand trial marks a significant procedural development in proceedings that have been ongoing since the allegations first emerged. Hakimi has maintained his innocence throughout. The case is being closely monitored, and its progression runs in parallel with Morocco’s World Cup campaign, adding an unusual dimension to the team’s tournament narrative.

For Morocco, the stakes at this World Cup extend well beyond individual storylines. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar saw the Atlas Lions become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, a historic achievement that elevated expectations heading into the 2026 edition. With the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Morocco — set to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal — carry significant symbolic weight as one of Africa’s most prominent footballing nations on the global stage.

Hakimi remains central to Morocco’s tactical setup as both captain and one of their most influential players. The PSG defender’s ability to perform at the highest level despite the surrounding circumstances was noted by his coach, and his display against Scotland appeared to reinforce Ouahbi’s confidence in his captain’s focus and professionalism.

Morocco’s next assignment against Haiti on Wednesday will determine their final group standing, with the Atlas Lions requiring only a point to confirm qualification for the round of 16.