Lille OSC midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has officially decided to represent Morocco at the international level, opting for the Atlas Lions over France ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 18-year-old, born in France to Moroccan parents, had been eligible for both nations.
Bouaddi, who made his professional debut for Lille in 2023, has been a rising star in Ligue 1. His decision was confirmed by multiple sources on May 15, 2026, as Morocco prepares for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Morocco's national team, which reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, continues to attract dual-nationality talents. Bouaddi's addition bolsters their midfield options as they aim to build on that historic run.
