French prosecutors have confirmed that Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender, will stand trial for rape — with the accusation dating back to 2023. The Nanterre public prosecutor’s office, west of Paris, confirmed the trial order as Hakimi prepares to lead Morocco against Scotland in their second World Cup 2026 group stage fixture. The announcement is one of the biggest off-field stories of the tournament so far.
What happened: the 2023 rape accusation against Hakimi
A woman, aged 24 at the time, accused Achraf Hakimi of raping her at his home in Paris in 2023. The Nanterre public prosecutor’s office opened a preliminary investigation in March 2023. In February 2026, an investigating judge ordered the case to proceed to trial — a significant legal threshold in the French judicial system.
Hakimi recently attempted to have the trial dismissed through a legal appeal, but French media report that the bid failed. No trial date has been made public, but the process is formally confirmed and moving forward.
Will Hakimi play on at World Cup 2026?
Yes, for now. Neither FIFA nor the Royal Moroccan Football Federation have announced any disciplinary action or suspension linked to the case. Under the presumption of innocence — a cornerstone of both French and international law — Hakimi remains eligible to play.
He is expected to captain Morocco in their upcoming group stage clash against Scotland. For England fans tracking the tournament, the match is already one of the most closely watched British fixtures of the group stage — and Hakimi’s legal cloud adds a charged dimension to the build-up.
Who is Hakimi — and why does this matter for the tournament?
Achraf Hakimi, 27, made his Morocco debut aged 17 in 2016 and has since become the team’s captain and talisman. A product of Real Madrid’s academy, he went on to star at Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and PSG, establishing himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in the world.
Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals at Qatar 2022 — the best finish ever by an African nation. Hakimi was central to that run. If he were unavailable for any reason, Morocco’s chances of repeating that feat would take a significant blow, and the tournament would lose one of its most recognisable names.
PSG and Morocco stay silent — pressure builds
As of publication, neither Paris Saint-Germain nor the Royal Moroccan Football Federation have issued a public statement on the confirmed rape trial. The institutional silence is notable given the scale of coverage across European media.
The case raises a question the football world keeps avoiding: how should major tournaments handle players under serious criminal investigation? With World Cup 2026 in full swing and no clear answer from FIFA or the Moroccan federation, that question is not going away anytime soon.
FAQ
Will Hakimi still play for Morocco at World Cup 2026 despite the rape trial?
Yes, as things stand. Neither FIFA nor the Moroccan federation have suspended him. Hakimi has not been convicted and the trial has not yet taken place — the presumption of innocence applies.
What exactly is Hakimi accused of?
A woman who was 24 years old in 2023 accuses him of raping her at his home in Paris. French prosecutors at Nanterre have confirmed the case will proceed to trial.
When will Hakimi’s trial take place?
No public date has been set. An investigating judge ordered the trial in February 2026, and a recent appeal by Hakimi to have it dismissed was rejected.
Who are Morocco playing next at World Cup 2026?
Morocco face Scotland in their second group stage game at World Cup 2026, with Hakimi expected to captain the side.
Has PSG commented on the Hakimi rape trial?
No. Paris Saint-Germain had not issued any official statement on their defender’s legal situation at the time of publication.
🏆 AI Analysis – World Cup 2026
Mysports AI uses advanced data models to deliver the best odds, dark horse analysis and betting tips.
Get predictions