Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi faces a significant hurdle in his quest to play in the 2026 World Cup. The obstacle comes not from an opponent, but from within his own national team camp.
According to reports from the French newspaper L’Équipe, three of Hakimi’s teammates with the Moroccan national team have filed a lawsuit against him. The case revolves around a financial dispute concerning a joint real estate investment project.
The three players involved are Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui, Al-Shabab’s Romain Saïss, and former international Munir El Kajoui. The legal action was initiated after a breakdown in their business relationship, casting a shadow over the squad’s harmony.
The core of the conflict stems from a real estate company the four players established together. Disagreements over financial management and investment directions led to the partnership souring, ultimately pushing Mazraoui, Saïss, and El Kajoui to take the matter to court.
This internal rift poses a direct threat to the atmosphere within the Moroccan national team, famously known as the “Atlas Lions.” Team unity has been a cornerstone of their recent successes, including their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022.
With the next World Cup set for 2026, maintaining this cohesion is paramount. The ongoing legal battle between key squad members introduces an unwanted element of tension at a crucial time.
For Achraf Hakimi, one of the world’s premier full-backs, the dream of leading his country on the global stage in 2026 is now clouded by an off-field dispute with his fellow Lions. The resolution of this case will be closely watched, as its outcome could impact the team’s preparations and spirit in the years to come.
