BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.

As Morocco edge closer to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026, captain Achraf Hakimi finds himself at the centre of two parallel narratives; one being football excellence and the other by legal proceedings that continue to cast a shadow over his career.

On the pitch, the 27-year-old has never appeared more influential.

Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Scotland not only moved the Atlas Lions within touching distance of the Round of 32, it also elevated Hakimi into the record books as the African player with the most FIFA World Cup appearances.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender made his 12th World Cup appearance, surpassing the previous mark jointly held by Cameroonian legend François Omam-Biyik and Ghana’s all-time leading scorer Asamoah Gyan.

It is a remarkable achievement for a player who made his World Cup debut as a teenager in Russia in 2018 and has since become one of the most recognisable faces of African football.

For Hakimi, the record is another milestone in a career already decorated with major club honours and individual accolades, including the African Footballer of the Year award. It also reinforces his status as one of the driving forces behind Morocco’s rise as a global football power.

His influence was most vividly illustrated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. Hakimi’s composure, leadership and attacking flair helped transform the Atlas Lions into one of the competition’s most compelling stories.

Four years later, he remains the heartbeat of a Moroccan side determined to prove that their success in Qatar was no one-off achievement.

The signs have been encouraging. Morocco opened their campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against five-time champions Brazil before defeating Scotland to move within a point of qualification. A draw against Haiti in their final group match would be enough to secure passage to the knockout rounds.

Yet while Hakimi’s football achievements continue to accumulate, events away from the game have ensured that public attention remains divided.

The defender is facing the prospect of a criminal trial in France following allegations of rape first reported in 2023. Hakimi has consistently denied wrongdoing and has sought to challenge the legal process through the courts.

French media reported this week that an appeals court rejected a challenge to his referral to criminal court, clearing the way for a future trial.

Responding publicly, Hakimi reiterated his innocence and welcomed the opportunity to present his version of events.

“Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth,” he wrote on social media platform X.

“I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m looking forward to it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak out.”

The legal proceedings remain ongoing, and no trial date has been announced.

For now, Morocco’s captain appears determined to keep his focus on football.

That ability to compartmentalise challenges has become a defining characteristic of elite athletes, particularly those operating under intense global scrutiny. With millions watching every move, Hakimi has continued to perform at the highest level for both club and country.

His record-breaking appearance against Scotland demonstrated once again why he remains indispensable to Morocco’s ambitions. Whether surging down the flank, organising teammates or inspiring supporters, Hakimi has become the symbol of a generation that has redefined expectations for African football.

As the World Cup enters its decisive phase, Morocco’s hopes of another deep run rest heavily on the shoulders of their captain.

The legal questions surrounding Hakimi will ultimately be settled in court. On the field, however, his contribution to Moroccan football is already firmly established.

And as the Atlas Lions pursue another place in World Cup history, their captain continues to add chapters to a legacy that has made him one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers.

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Iran came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday, with the match unfolding against the backdrop of political tensions surrounding Tehran and a tentative agreement aimed at ending the recent U.S.-Iran conflict.

According to Reuters, the atmosphere inside and outside the stadium reflected the complex emotions surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Los Angeles, home to the world’s largest Iranian diaspora community, saw hundreds of protesters gather before kickoff, many carrying Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag and anti-government signs.

On the pitch, New Zealand made a bright start and took the lead when Elijah Just volleyed home from close range after being picked out by captain Chris Wood. The goal sparked celebrations among some anti-government supporters, while others had earlier booed Iran’s national anthem before the match.

However, the majority of the crowd of more than 70,000 appeared to back Team Melli, repeatedly chanting “Iran, Iran” and erupting in celebration when veteran defender Ramin Rezaeian equalised in the 33rd minute.

Rezaeian, one of several Iranian players whose domestic campaigns were disrupted after the suspension of the country’s league earlier this year, reacted quickest to a blocked effort and slotted the rebound past the advancing New Zealand goalkeeper.

The All Whites restored their advantage shortly after halftime through another combination between Wood and Just. Wood threaded a perfectly weighted pass through the Iranian defence and just finished emphatically to score his second goal of the match.

Iran again found a response, this time through Mohammad Mohebbi. The forward met Rezaeian’s pinpoint cross with a powerful header that struck the far post before bouncing into the net to level the score at 2-2.

Iran pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages and created the better opportunities, but New Zealand held firm to claim a valuable point.

“I love my mom and dad. They always pray for me in difficult times, so this is for them,” Rezaeian said after the match.

“And also for my people in Iran.”

The result leaves Group G finely balanced after Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day, meaning all four teams sit on one point after their opening matches.

For New Zealand, the draw extended their wait for a first World Cup victory. The All Whites, appearing in their third finals tournament, have now gone seven World Cup matches without a win.

“We’re disappointed not to win,” New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley said.

“When you’re leading twice in a game, you come away with that what if. We were probably as close as we’ve ever been to winning a game at the World Cup, and we couldn’t quite do that today.

“But we’re in the World Cup, we didn’t lose, we stayed in the game, scored goals and created chances, so it was a really strong performance, I’m really proud of it.”

Reuters reported that divisions among Iranian-American supporters were evident throughout the day. Some fans said attending the match could be interpreted as support for Tehran’s government, while others insisted they were there solely to support the national team and its players.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei also highlighted the challenges his squad has faced during the tournament. After relocating their World Cup base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, the team has been required to travel internationally for each group-stage match.

Ghalenoei complained that several federation officials and members of the coaching staff had been unable to enter the United States after visa applications were rejected.

“I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the World Cup,” he said through a translator.

Despite those difficulties, the coach praised the support his side received in Los Angeles.

“It was a very good atmosphere,” he said.

“It was very positive. I was very happy with the supporters and the fans who were supporting the Iranian players. I think that was a very great achievement.”

Iran will return to Los Angeles to face Belgium in their next Group G fixture, while New Zealand will travel to Vancouver to take on Egypt as the battle for qualification to the knockout stages intensifies.

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Morocco have received an early boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener against Brazil after the South Americans lost their only specialist right back, Wesley, to injury.

The AS Roma defender was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a left thigh muscle injury during Brazil’s 2-1 international friendly victory over Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Sunday that medical examinations revealed damage to the adductor muscle in Wesley’s left thigh, forcing him to withdraw from Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man World Cup squad.

His absence leaves Brazil with a significant selection headache ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Morocco. Wesley was the only natural right back in the squad, meaning Ancelotti may now have to rely on makeshift options such as versatile defenders Danilo and Ibanez to fill the position.

“The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh,” the CBF said in a statement.

“The CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a player much loved by the squad and will always be considered part of this team as it seeks to win its sixth World Cup title.”

Brazil have moved quickly to replace the injured defender, calling up Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is expected to join the squad in the United States on Monday.

For Morocco, the development could offer a tactical advantage as the Atlas Lions prepare to face the five-time world champions in what is expected to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the group stage.

The North Africans, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and continue to be regarded as one of the strongest teams outside Europe and South America, will be looking to exploit any defensive uncertainty on Brazil’s right flank.

Brazil, chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup title, are grouped alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C. The opening encounter between Morocco and Brazil is expected to play a key role in determining the eventual group winner.

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