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FIFA Clears Lille Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, to Represent Morocco

The former France youth captain now becomes a candidate for Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Overview

  • Morocco’s federation said Friday that FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber approved Bouaddi’s change of sporting nationality, which makes him immediately eligible for the Atlas Lions.
  • The Lille midfielder is 18 and rose through France’s youth teams, captaining the under-21s and collecting 10 selections with that side.
  • He could be named to Morocco’s World Cup roster when coach Mohamed Ouahbi announces his list later in May, though selection is not guaranteed.
  • Lille coach Bruno Genesio said the player told him on Wednesday and called it a personal choice he would not influence.
  • The switch fits Morocco’s recent push to recruit dual‑national talents, a strategy that strengthens its pool and deprives France of a touted midfield prospect.