Boston to host France versus Morocco match featuring Mbappé and Hakimi reunion

By Sanjay Menon — 10 July 2026 — 3 min read

Mbappé and Hakimi: friendship and rivalry

Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi, known for their close friendship, are set to face each other again on Thursday in Boston. This encounter will see France play Morocco, with both players captaining their respective national teams. Their connection began in October 2021 during their time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), when a grounded flight led to a shared road trip and a memorable photo in Trappes.

Their bond deepened over time, with Mbappé visiting Hakimi at his home in Madrid. Hakimi was reportedly among the first to know that Mbappé would extend his stay in Paris for an additional year, a detail that caused some dissatisfaction within the club and the dressing room. Sergio Ramos, who knew Hakimi from Real Madrid, also supported him during his time at PSG.

Before the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the two friends exchanged playful remarks about a potential match-up. Mbappé expressed a desire to face Morocco and jokingly threatened to defeat his friend, while Hakimi responded in kind. They eventually met at Al Bayt Stadium in Jor, where France eliminated Morocco in the semi-finals, and the players exchanged shirts after the match.

The upcoming clash in Boston

The upcoming match in Boston, scheduled for 21:00 on Thursday, marks another significant meeting between the two. Morocco is aiming to avenge their semi-final exit from the 2022 World Cup. Mbappé has publicly referred to Hakimi as one of the world’s best players and, more importantly, a friend. Hakimi frequently visits Madrid, where his son resides with his ex-wife.

ESPN has highlighted Hakimi as a crucial player for Morocco ahead of this quarter-final match against France. The outlet points to Hakimi’s ability to influence both defensive and attacking aspects of the game, making his duel with Mbappé a central focus. One writer noted that while Hakimi might not completely neutralise Mbappé, he is among the few players globally capable of consistently defending against Mbappé while also contributing to the attack.

Hakimi has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the African player with the most appearances in FIFA World Cup tournaments. He is considered a cornerstone of Morocco’s recent success, guiding the national team deep into major international competitions. His seamless transition between defensive duties and playmaking roles underscores his versatility as a player.

Player form and tactical considerations

Despite Hakimi’s strong reputation, some observations suggest he has shown signs of vulnerability defensively in recent times. While he has been a consistent threat for Morocco, averaging three key passes per game, he is reportedly coming off a challenging season with PSG, marked by injury concerns. Some Real Madrid fans have noted his defensive exposure, particularly in one-on-one situations this year.

Mbappé, on the other hand, is widely considered to be in exceptional form, chasing records and scoring at a remarkable pace. His explosive speed and pace could pose a significant challenge to Hakimi. With Hakimi often pushing high up the pitch to create attacking opportunities, Mbappé may find considerable space behind him, creating chances to cut inside and score.

The match will be a reunion for the former PSG teammates. While Hakimi describes their relationship as brotherly off the pitch, he has stated that competition takes precedence during the game. Morocco’s Atlas Lions will face tournament favourites France in this decisive clash, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

The two players remain in daily contact and will lead their teams in Boston on Thursday.

Source: onefootball.com