Achraf Hakimi was met with boos in Boston after being charged in France. Despite the controversy, Morocco’s coach and team have expressed unwavering support for the defender during the 2026 World Cup.
Achraf Hakimi, a key figure for Morocco’s national football team, was met with loud boos and whistles from the stands at Gillette Stadium in Boston, just hours after French authorities announced his indictment on rape charges. The incident unfolded during Morocco’s match against Scotland, which drew over 64,000 spectators, the majority supporting the Scottish side. The reaction from the crowd underscored the tension surrounding Hakimi’s legal situation, which had become public shortly before the game.
Despite the hostile reception in the United States, Morocco’s football federation and coaching staff have made it clear that Hakimi remains central to their World Cup campaign. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi kept the defender in the starting lineup and praised his composure and influence on the squad. Ouahbi emphasized that Hakimi’s presence is vital not only for the team but for millions of Moroccans, reiterating the federation’s full backing for the player amid the ongoing legal process.
Hakimi, who played the entire match against Scotland, did not address the media after the final whistle. Instead, he later posted a statement on social media, suggesting that his fame played a role in the legal proceedings and expressing his decision to remain silent and trust the judicial process. The Moroccan public has rallied around him, with widespread support on social networks and the emergence of the hashtag #AchrafHakimi as a sign of solidarity with the national team captain.
Morocco’s unwavering support for Hakimi comes at a critical moment, as the team advances in the 2026 World Cup. The situation has drawn international attention, with the legal case in France casting a shadow over the player’s participation. The Moroccan coach’s public statements have sought to keep the focus on football, highlighting Hakimi’s importance on and off the pitch. This approach mirrors how other high-profile athletes have faced public scrutiny during major tournaments, as seen in recent sports controversies such as the public fallout between Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas, which was covered in detail in a previous report on tensions between top athletes.
For context, Achraf Hakimi is widely regarded as one of the world’s top right-backs and has been a consistent starter for both his national team and Paris Saint-Germain. Legal proceedings in France can be lengthy, and an indictment does not equate to a conviction. The Moroccan Football Federation’s decision to stand by Hakimi reflects both the player’s sporting value and the broader complexities that arise when legal matters intersect with international competitions. The case continues to develop as Morocco progresses in the tournament, with the football world closely watching both the legal and sporting outcomes.
