2026 World Cup; After months of suspense, Ayyoub Bouaddi chooses Morocco

An eagerly awaited choice for several months. The midfielder from Lille hesitated between Morocco and France, a selection he had represented in youth categories.

Good news for Moroccan supporters. According to RMC Sport, Ayyoub Bouaddi has decided to represent Morocco on the international stage. This choice to wear the colors of the Kingdom should be officially announced by the Federation in the coming hours. With a rare maturity for an 18-year-old player, the Lille midfielder has had quite an experience. The profile of the native of Senlis was very appealing to the Moroccan sports officials. Morocco, the country of his parents’ origin, has managed to convince Bouaddi to respond favorably to a call-up, especially with the perspective of the 2026 World Cup just weeks away.

The player’s statement and confirmation are awaited

Beyond the announcement, this decision illustrates the spectacular rise of the Moroccan national team among the best dual-nationality profiles. Long perceived as an alternative, Morocco now emerges as a major sporting project, capable of competing with the biggest nations in world football in the battle for talent. “It’s very flattering to be courted by these two selections because I think it’s a strength to have a new nationality,” declared the young Dogue, interviewed in early April on the Télefoot show. “It’s an important choice in a career, something that shouldn’t be rushed or forced. It’s something that should come spontaneously and naturally.” While the Moroccan federation will quickly formalize the call-up, the player’s statement and confirmation are awaited. Even though, according to FIFA regulations, he cannot decline a call-up without being penalized by FIFA.

Morocco has really worked hard over time to attract the youngster. Ayyoub Bouaddi had discussions with Mohamed Ouahbi, the successor to Walid Regragui as Morocco’s coach, as well as with Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan Football Federation. For several years, the Royal Moroccan Federation has been strongly structured. Moroccan football now has modern infrastructure, professional coaching, and a long-term vision that attract young players with great potential. The adherence to the collective project led by the Moroccan federation may also have made a difference in making an important choice between Morocco and France.