Hakimi on Mbappé: "On the field, he is not my friend" ahead of 2026 World Cup quarter-final clash
via Le Matin2 min read
Achraf Hakimi stated that Kylian Mbappé is "not my friend on the field" in response to Moroccan comedian Mimo Lazrak's Instagram video. Lazrak humorously urged Hakimi to set aside his friendship with Mbappé during their upcoming match, suggesting he "tackle him, eliminate him, then, after the match, invite him for a drink." Hakimi's comment, which garnered significant likes, highlights the temporary suspension of their well-known friendship during competitive play. Hakimi and Mbappé, who became close during their time at Paris Saint-Germain, frequently name each other as their best friend in football. They are set to face each other again in a World Cup knockout match, following their previous encounter in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, where France defeated Morocco 2-0. That match ended the Atlas Lions' historic run as the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final. This upcoming quarter-final is seen by many as an opportunity for a "sporting revenge." Morocco enters the match with momentum after a 3-0 victory over Canada in the round of 16, while France secured their spot by defeating Paraguay with a penalty from Kylian Mbappé in a more contested game. The quarter-final is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, at 9:00 PM Moroccan time, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, United States. Both players will put their friendship aside with the sole aim of qualifying their respective teams for the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
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Must ReadThe Atlas Lions have arrived in Boston to prepare for their World Cup 2026 quarter-final match against France, scheduled for July 9 at 9 PM. Training sessions on Monday and Tuesday will be crucial for assessing the physical condition of Ismael Saibari and Chadi Riad, who sustained injuries in previous matches against Canada and the Netherlands.