Morocco Beat France to Ayyoub Bouaddi in Major World Cup Boost
The 18-year-old Lille midfielder is immediately eligible for Morocco and could join a squad building toward the 2026 World Cup.
- On Friday, FIFA approved a request from The Royal Moroccan Football Federation to switch the sporting nationality of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, making the 18-year-old immediately eligible to represent Morocco.
- This move mirrors Morocco's successful strategy to recruit dual-nationality players, similar to the addition of Brahim, as The Atlas Lions prioritize players with family heritage in the North African nation.
- Regarded as one of Ligue's brightest talents, Bouaddi has made more than 90 appearances for Lille over three campaigns and holds the record as the youngest player to feature in a European club competition match.
- Ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, Bouaddi effectively becomes a high-impact "signing" for an increasingly deep and ambitious Morocco national squad.
- Recent commitments from Fulham defender Issa Diop and Ajax Amsterdam's Rayane Bounida demonstrate how young players feel a strong emotional connection toward their Moroccan roots.
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France-born Bouaddi approved to play for Morocco before World Cup
France-born Ayyoub Bouaddi has been approved to play for Morocco less than a month before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirmed Friday they had received approval from world football governing body FIFA's Status Chamber to change Bouaddi's sporting nationality, making him immediately eligible to represent Morocco in all international competitions.
Morocco beat France to Ayyoub Bouaddi in major World Cup boost
May 16 : Morocco have won the international tug-of-war for highly rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who was born in France to Moroccan parents, after FIFA approved his switch of allegiance, handing the Atlas Lions a significant boost just weeks before the World Cup in North America.The Royal Moroccan Foo
The Moroccan Football Association announced that 18-year-old midfielder Ayoub Bouadi, who has played for the youth national team of France, will play for the Moroccan national team in the future.
The Losc midfielder chose to represent Morocco rather than wait for a meeting with the Blues.
While he had climbed the ranks among the young under the jersey of the French team, the middle of Lille will represent the Lions of Atlas in the A's.
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