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FIFA Clears Lille Teen Ayyoub Bouaddi to Play for Morocco

The switch reflects Morocco's push to add dual-national talent before the 2026 World Cup.

Lille's French-born midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has switched allegiance to Morocco before the 2026 World Cup

Overview

  • FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber approved his change of sporting nationality, which makes the 18-year-old immediately eligible for Morocco.
  • Bouaddi had represented France at youth level, most recently captaining the under-21s, but he has chosen Morocco for his senior career.
  • The Lille midfielder has topped 90 senior appearances across three seasons and debuted in Europe at 16 years and three days, a competition record.
  • His decision follows Morocco’s recent additions of Fulham defender Issa Diop and Ajax prospect Rayane Bounida from dual-national pools.
  • Morocco head to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, facing Brazil, Haiti and Scotland in Group C.