Morocco secure Bouaddi international switch ahead of World Cup

Morocco have emerged victorious in the international battle for highly-rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who was born in France to Moroccan parents, following FIFA's approval of his eligibility transfer, providing the Atlas Lions with a major boost mere weeks before the World Cup kicks off in North America.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirmed on Friday it had obtained approval from FIFA's Players' Status Chamber for its application to modify Bouaddi's sporting nationality, rendering him instantly available to play for Morocco across all international fixtures.

The 18-year-old Bouaddi had featured for France throughout the youth ranks, recently serving as captain of the under-21 squad during a European Championship qualifying encounter against Luxembourg, before deciding to pledge his senior international allegiance to Morocco.

The midfielder is considered among Ligue 1's most promising young prospects, having cemented his position as a regular starter in Lille's first team during recent campaigns. He has accumulated over 90 competitive appearances for the French club spanning three seasons.

The teenager became the youngest player to participate in a European club competition fixture, achieving the milestone aged 16 years and three days.

Morocco's growing success with dual-nationality recruitment

Morocco have established an impressive reputation for attracting dual-nationality talent to bolster their squad. The North African nation recently persuaded Fulham defender Issa Diop, who was born in France to a Moroccan mother, to represent them internationally, while Ajax Amsterdam's Rayane Bounida, previously captain of Belgium's under-19 team, also committed to the Atlas Lions.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Morocco, who became the first African and Arab nation to advance to a World Cup semi-final, have been placed in Group C with Brazil, Haiti and Scotland.

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