According to multiple reports on May 16, 2026, Ayoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old midfielder for LOSC Lille, has been officially cleared by FIFA to represent the Morocco national team, the Lions de l'Atlas. The decision follows a request from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to change his international eligibility.
Bouaddi, born in France to Moroccan parents, previously represented France at youth levels, including the U-17 and U-19 teams. His switch to Morocco was confirmed after FIFA's Players' Status Committee approved the change under Article 9 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, which allows players with multiple nationalities to switch associations if they have not played a competitive senior match for their previous federation.
The midfielder has been a key player for Lille this season, making 34 appearances in Ligue 1 and European competitions. His addition is seen as a boost for Morocco's squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are already qualified as one of the host nations.
