World Cup 2026: Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi 'Booed' during Scotland Match amid Rape Trial Row

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was loudly booed by travelling Scotland supporters every time he touched the ball during his team's 1-0 victory over Scotland in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match on Friday.

The hostile reception from sections of the Tartan Army came just hours after a French appeals court confirmed that the Paris Saint-Germain defender will stand trial on rape charges. Hakimi, who denies any wrongdoing, captained Morocco in the Group C clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Travelling Scottish fans subjected Hakimi to a relentless barrage of boos and jeers throughout the match. Social media users following the game noted the persistent jeering, with one observer writing that Hakimi gestured to the crowd to cheer, only for the boos to grow louder in response. Another fan remarked on the unrelenting nature of the jeers directed at the Moroccan star.

Morocco Coach is 'behind' Hakimi

Despite the atmosphere in the stands, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised his captain's performance after the game.

"Did you see the game? I suppose you did. Hakimi was extraordinary so we're very relaxed, he's very relaxed and I believe he played really well," Ouahbi said.

He added: "He woke up in the morning, ate like everybody, he was focused, he played with everybody, he wanted to play strongly and that's what he did. We don't have to say anything - we're behind him, he's very relaxed and hopefully he's going to show he's the best wingback in the world. I believe this is important for me, the players and the 44 million Moroccans who are following us."

Court Decision and Legal Background

The Versailles appeals court's ruling upheld a February decision by an investigative judge following recommendations from public prosecutors that Hakimi should face trial. The court stated that investigations provided sufficient evidence for him to stand trial.

Hakimi faced preliminary charges of rape in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman alleged she was raped by him at his home in a Paris suburb. He has consistently denied the allegations.Rachel-Flore Pardo, the lawyer representing the plaintiff, said the decision brings her client "a sense of relief and hope" after more than three years of proceedings, noting that the complainant had been "defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi's defence."

Despite the booing, the Atlas Lions won the match with Ismael Saibari's solitary goal and are in pole position to qualify for the knockouts. They will take on Haiti in their final group stage encounter.