Rising Star Ayyoub Bouaddi Delays Decision on National Team Allegiance

Ayyoub Bouaddi has not decided on his sporting nationality. The Moroccan-born prodigy of Lille has preferred to focus on his matches with his club, rather than joining the Atlas Lions for the matches against Niger and Tanzania, scheduled for March 21 and 25 in Oujda as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The young player has expressed his intention and desire to wear the Moroccan jersey, even if for the moment, his name continues to appear on the list of players of the French under-21 national team. According to sources, Bouaddi should make his final decision in June, the month during which Walid Regragui’s men will face Tunisia and Benin in a friendly match, in preparation for the 2025 CAN Morocco.

The Moroccan coach also spoke about the Bouaddi case during his Friday press conference. "Of course, Bouaddi is one of the greatest players of the future on the world football scene, and we are doing everything for him to come with us. The day he is with us, we will be happy. For now, my concentration is on the players present," he said.