Morocco has strengthened its national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup as France-born midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi has chosen to represent the North African nation internationally. The 18-year-old, a former captain of France’s youth teams, received FIFA approval to change his sporting nationality, allowing him to play for Morocco in all international competitions.

Bouaddi, who captained France’s under-21 side in a European Championship qualifier against Luxembourg, currently plays for French club Lille and has already made over 90 appearances across competitions. He holds the record as the youngest player to appear in a European club competition at 16 years and three days old. Morocco has recently been active in recruiting dual-national players, including France-born defender Issa Diop and Ajax’s Rayane Bounida, formerly of Belgium’s under-19 team.

Following its historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run, Morocco aims to build on that success. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is expected to announce its final squad soon for the 2026 tournament, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.