France-born midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been cleared to play for Morocco less than a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said FIFA’s Status Chamber approved Bouaddi’s request to change his sporting nationality, making the 18-year-old immediately eligible to represent Morocco in international competitions.
“This decision means Ayyoub Bouaddi is officially and immediately eligible to represent the Moroccan national team during various international competitions,” the FRMF said in a statement.
Born in Senlis, north of Paris, to Moroccan parents, Bouaddi plays for French Ligue 1 side Lille OSC. The midfielder previously represented France at under-21 level before opting to play for Morocco.
The Atlas Lions, became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.
Morocco open their Group C campaign against Brazil on June 13 in New Jersey. Scotland and Haiti are also in the group.