Potential Complications for Hakimi in World Cup 2026
Achraf Hakimi, the talented Moroccan defender, may face significant challenges that could hinder his participation in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Currently, the Moroccan national team is performing admirably in Group C, having secured a draw against Brazil and a victory over Scotland. They occupy the second position in the group and are set to compete against Haiti in their final group match. However, depending on their placement, they could be required to play in Mexico or Canada, which poses a potential issue for Hakimi.
Legal complications arising from a pending court case could prevent the PSG star from entering either country. Hakimi has been accused of sexual assault, a charge he vehemently denies. Nevertheless, a Versailles Court of Appeal has upheld the decision, raising concerns about his ability to travel. Both Mexico and Canada have stringent laws that may deny entry to individuals convicted of serious crimes, which could lead to a similar fate for Hakimi as experienced by Ghanaian player Thomas Partey, who was unable to enter Canada due to a rejected visa application.
For Morocco, the safest route to ensure Hakimi's availability would be to secure the top position in their group, thus avoiding potential travel complications. If they can achieve victory against Haiti and excel in their group, Morocco would remain in the United States for the subsequent knockout rounds, ensuring that Hakimi can contribute to the team’s quest for glory in the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams competing in 16 modern stadiums.
As reported by flashscore.fr.
