Achraf Hakimi to Face Rape Trial Amid World Cup Hype

Fri Jun 19 2026 18:11:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is set to stand trial in France after allegations of rape; the case unfolds against the backdrop of the 2026 World Cup.

French prosecutors have confirmed that Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will face a trial for rape, stemming from accusations made by a 24‑year‑old woman in 2023. The claim, first investigated in March 2023, has led to a court order for trial in February 2026, and Hakimi has consistently denied the charges. The trial’s timing and outcome carry implications for the player’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, where his national side will play in the United States but could encounter travel restrictions if they progress further. The case echoes wider concerns about sexual misconduct within professional football, as highlighted by parallel proceedings involving Ghana’s Thomas Partey.

Achraf Hakimi to face rape trial in France

The Paris-based defender of Morocco’s national team and French club Paris Saint‑Germain, Achraf Hakimi, has been formally linked to a rape case by French prosecutors. A 24‑year‑old woman accused the 27‑year‑old defender of raping her inside his home in Paris in 2023. The public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre began a preliminary investigation in March of that year, and a judge ordered the trial in February 2026. Hakimi has repeatedly denied the allegations, asserting that only his fame has brought the case into the public eye.

The trial’s scheduled start date has not yet been set, but the legal proceedings fit neatly into the tight calendar of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Morocco is slated to play their second group‑stage match against Scotland on Friday, 23:00 BST. Should Morocco advance beyond the group stage, the player could face complications entering Canada or Mexico, as the host countries reserve the right to deny entry to individuals with a criminal conviction or pending charge. The case mirrors earlier accusations against Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who has also faced trial for multiple sexual assault charges.

According to a statement by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Rachel‑Flore Pardo, the lawsuit provides crucial relief for the woman, offering her a voice against what she described as a "wall of denial" surrounding sexual violence in football. Pardo emphasised that the trial would help protect other women and mitigate the reputational damage that can accompany high‑profile athletes embroiled in misconduct allegations.

Hakimi’s career highlights include 97 caps for Morocco since making his debut in 2016, and he was pivotal to Morocco’s historic semi‑final finish in the 2022 World Cup. Since joining Paris Saint‑Germain from Inter Milan in 2021, he has secured 13 trophies, including consecutive Champions League titles. The upcoming trial promises to test not only his personal and professional future but also the broader conversation on accountability within the sport.