Morocco goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi said captain Achraf Hakimi has the team's full support as they prepare to face Haiti in their final group match at the 2026 World Cup.
A French appeals court confirmed last week that Hakimi must stand trial in connection with a rape allegation dating back to March 2023.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender has repeatedly denied the allegation and maintained his innocence. No trial date has yet been announced.
Speaking at Tuesday's pre-match press conference, Mohamedi told reporters: “Everyone supports Achraf. He is our role model in Morocco, so we will always stand behind him in everything.”
The court’s decision was announced just hours before Morocco's match against Scotland. Hakimi captained the side to a 1-0 victory courtesy of an Ismael Saibari goal.
He continues to train with the squad and is expected to be named in Mohamed Ouahbi's team to face Haiti in Atlanta.
Following the Scotland match, Ouahbi said the squad was behind Hakimi.
"He's very calm and he played a great match. We're very calm about the situation and, most importantly, he is very calm."
Best of the 2026 World Cup - in pictures
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US President Donald Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino alongside the 2026 World Cup champions: Spain. Reuters -
Ferran Torres scores Spain's first goal past Argentina's Emiliano Martinez in the 106th minute of extra time at the World Cup final. Reuters -
Argentina's Lionel Messi after losing out to Spain in the final. Reuters -
England's players with their medals, after winning the third-place play-off against France in Miami. AFP -
French striker Kylian Mbappe challenges English defender Ezri Konsa at the Miami Stadium. AFP -
England forward Bukayo Saka, centre, celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal. AFP -
Enzo Fernandez of Argentina celebrates scoring the equaliser against England at Atlanta Stadium. AFP -
Anthony Gordon scores the opening goal for England against Argentina. EPA -
Spain's players celebrate after beating France to reach the World Cup final. Reuters -
Spanish forward Lamine Yamal, left, is challenged by French defender Theo Hernandez in Arlington. AFP -
France forward Kylian Mbappe shows his disappointment during the semi-final defeat to Spain. AFP -
Mikel Merino celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Belgium in Inglewood. AFP -
Messi controls the ball against Switzerland's Granit Xhaka during the quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City. AFP -
Jude Bellingham celebrates after winning the quarter-final match between Norway and England in Miami. AFP -
France talisman Kylian Mbappe was on target in his team's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco. EPA -
Gessime Yassine looks dejected after the match as Morocco's World Cup comes to an end. Reuters -
Fans in Buenos Aires celebrate Argentina's victory against Egypt. Getty Images -
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Egypt in Atlanta. AFP -
Gregor Kobel of Switzerland saves Cucho Hernandez's penalty for Colombia in the shoot-out in Vancouver. AFP -
Portugal's Bernardo Silva is left in disbelief after a missed chance against Spain, in Arlington. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo is dejected after the match against Spain, as his Portugal team are eliminated from the World Cup. Reuters -
Belgium's Hans Vanaken scores their third goal past Matt Freese of the US, in Seattle. Reuters -
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scores their first goal against the US. Reuters -
Australian referee Alireza Faghani shows a red card to England defender Jarell Quansah against Mexico. AFP -
Erling Haaland scores his and Norway's second goal against Brazil. AFP
The Atlas Lions are second in Group C, level on points with Brazil but with an inferior goal difference. Morocco drew 1-1 against the Brazilians in their opening game.
A point against Haiti would secure Morocco’s place in the Round of 32, while a win could give Ouahbi’s team a chance to finish top of Group C, depending on Brazil’s result against Scotland.
Haiti have already been eliminated following defeats in their opening two matches, but Ouahbi told reporters that Morocco respect their opponents and will approach the match with full focus.
"It's a World Cup match. They will be super motivated because they will want their first win, their first points and their first goal. They have genuine objectives and for us it's the same," he said.
"If we think about anything other than winning the match, I think we will regret it.
"We are growing in this competition and I am certain we will continue to grow tactically, physically and mentally because these matches are giving us a lot."
Brazil v Scotland: Raphinha out, Neymar in?
Brazil will be without a key part of their attack for their match against Scotland in Florida with Raphinha sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Raphinha, 29, picked up the injury in the 3-0 win over Haiti last week and was replaced in the 40th minute.
The Barcelona winger's injury could mean a first start at this World Cup for Neymar, who has recovered from a calf injury and is available to play the entire game if needed, according to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Asked who might fill in for Raphinha, Ancelotti said of Neymar: "He is available, he trained very well this week. He is fit and able and ready to play. We are very happy he is back. He is a high-quality player.
"He can play from half time or the whole 90 minutes. He is very well, he worked very hard, so he is ready. His attitude is very good, he's in good spirits, he's a good player, a good teammate. He's very serious and we want to get him back to playing as soon as possible.
"I'm very happy. He brings experience, knowledge – he is doing very well."
Should he play, Neymar, 34, will appear at his fourth World Cup, looking to add to his total of eight World Cup goals.
A point against Scotland will see five-time champions Brazil punch their ticket to the knockout round.
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