[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"football-site-config":3,"world-cup-status-en":27,"news-detail-why-ayyoub-bouaddi-chose-morocco-over-france-for-2026":61,"news-related-why-ayyoub-bouaddi-chose-morocco-over-france-for-2026-en":105,"news-related-match-why-ayyoub-bouaddi-chose-morocco-over-france-for-2026-en":26},{"adSlots":4,"affiliateMode":5,"brandName":6,"contentStrategy":7,"currency":8,"friendLinks":9,"homepageLayoutKey":10,"leagueFocus":11,"locale":12,"planVisibility":13,"seoDescription":14,"seoTitleTemplate":15,"siteCode":10,"siteName":6,"siteType":10,"subscriptionMode":5,"timezone":16,"id":17,"tenantID":18,"primaryDomain":19,"countryCode":20,"logoUrl":21,"faviconUrl":21,"theme":22,"seoKeywords":24,"status":25,"ads":4,"focusLeagues":26,"affiliatePolicies":26},[],"shared","Football Prediction Platform","scores_predictions","USD",[],"main",[],"en-US",[],"Football fixtures, results, free predictions, subscriptions, and clearly labeled partner links.","{page} | Football Prediction Platform","America\u002FNew_York",323900000000000000,1,"football.easytestdev.online","US","",{"primaryColor":23},"#1677ff","football predictions, football fixtures, football results","active",null,{"active":28,"leagueId":29,"leagueName":30,"leagueImagePath":31,"seasonId":32,"seasonName":33,"startingAt":34,"endingAt":35,"daysToStart":36,"daysToEnd":37,"phase":38,"includeQualifying":39,"hostCities":40},true,"326135624916537344","World Cup","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.api-sports.io\u002Ffootball\u002Fleagues\u002F1.png","326255613308833792","2026\u002F2027","2026-06-11","2026-06-28",-37,-20,"finished_recent",false,[41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60],"Atlanta","Boston","Dallas","East Rutherford","Guadalajara","Houston","Kansas City","Los Angeles","Mexico City","Miami","Monterrey","New-York","New York New Jersey","Philadelphia","San-Francisco","San Francisco Bay Area","Seattle","Toronto","Vancouver","Zapopan",{"article":62},{"awayTeamId":-1,"awayTeamName":-1,"body":63,"category":64,"excerpt":65,"homeTeamId":-1,"homeTeamName":-1,"id":66,"leagueId":29,"leagueName":30,"matchId":67,"matchName":21,"publishedAt":68,"slug":69,"sourceName":70,"sourceURL":71,"teamId":72,"teamName":73,"teamIds":74,"teamNames":89,"title":104},"Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder touted as one of the finest talents of the 2007 generation alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, has committed his senior international future to Morocco, snubbing advances from France. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) made the announcement official on Thursday evening, ending months of speculation over the dual-national’s allegiance.\n\nBorn in Creil, in the Oise department of France, Bouaddi progressed through Lille’s esteemed academy and has already amassed 96 professional appearances for the Ligue 1 side, a staggering tally for a player his age. He featured ten times for France’s under-21 side, the Espoirs, indicating he was on the radar of Les Bleus’ setup. However, the allure of representing Morocco at the highest level proved decisive.\n\nIn a December interview with L’Equipe, Bouaddi outlined his grandest ambitions: “Win the World Cup, the Champions League, to win everything.” He specifically pointed to the 2026 tournament, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as an attractive proposition. “2026, obviously, it’s appealing, it’s a beautiful World Cup with a new format, so everyone would love to play it,” he said. By choosing Morocco, he positions himself for a leading role in that competition and, crucially, the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.\n\nThe decision underscores Morocco’s growing gravitational pull for dual-national players. Since their historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions have become a symbol of African and Arab footballing ambition. The federation has invested heavily in infrastructure, youth development, and a professional environment that rivals Europe’s best. An FRMF official told L’Equipe: “Morocco offers today one of the most structured, most visible and most promising systems in terms of football development. Young talents find perspectives for growth, a high-performance environment and sporting horizons that meet the best international standards.”\n\nBouaddi’s choice is not an isolated case. The same official highlighted a continuous dynamic, citing the recent alliances of Brahim Diaz (who switched from Spain), Neil El Aynaoui, and the promising youngster Ibrahim Rabbaj. “Morocco continues to attract and federate its best talents, generation after generation,” the official added. This pipeline of diaspora talent has enriched the national team’s depth and competitiveness, allowing coach Walid Regragui to blend homegrown players with European-developed stars.\n\nFor France, losing a prospect of Bouaddi’s calibre is a blow, though not an unfamiliar one. The French football pyramid is brimming with talent, and the senior squad remains among the world’s elite. Yet Bouaddi’s decision reflects a broader pattern: young dual-nationals increasingly see clearer, faster pathways to major tournaments with African nations. The prospect of playing in two World Cups before turning 25 is a powerful incentive that France, with its deeper senior pool, cannot easily offer.\n\nBouaddi’s rapid club progression provides a strong foundation. He is closing in on 100 senior matches for Lille, a remarkable rate that speaks to his physical readiness and tactical maturity. Operating as a dynamic central midfielder, he combines technical grace with a combative edge—attributes that should translate seamlessly to the international stage. Morocco’s midfield, anchored by the likes of Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi, will welcome his creativity and energy.\n\nThe 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and a new format, increasing the number of matches and the potential for breakout stars. Bouaddi’s dream of winning it all may be lofty, but with Morocco’s upward trajectory, it is not beyond the realm of possibility. The 2030 centenary tournament, with matches on home soil, adds an emotional and historical weight to his decision—an opportunity to become a national hero.\n\nCritics might argue that Bouaddi’s choice was pragmatic, driven by a clearer route to senior football, but the midfielder himself frames it as a connection to his roots. “It’s the choice of his roots,” L’Equipe noted, and his family background ties him to the Moroccan community. In an era where national identity in football is fluid, such decisions are deeply personal and often transcend pure sporting calculus.\n\nThe FRMF’s proactive approach has been a key factor. By building a robust scouting network and maintaining relationships with expatriate communities, the federation has created a compelling narrative: Morocco is not just a fallback option but a destination for ambitious players. The system’s visibility and structure have made it easier for players to envision a fruitful international career under the Moroccan flag.\n\nAs Bouaddi prepares to don the red and green, the focus will shift to his integration into Regragui’s squad. With AFCON 2025 on the horizon and World Cup qualifiers underway, he could make his debut soon. His arrival adds further competition and quality to a group that has already proven it can compete with the world’s best. The boy from Creil now looks set to thrill the passionate supporters in Casablanca, Marrakech, and beyond.\n\nIn choosing Morocco, Bouaddi has aligned his destiny with one of football’s most vibrant narratives. The road to 2026 and 2030 is long, but he has placed himself at the heart of a team that dreams big—and has already shown its capacity to deliver shocks on the global stage. Based on reporting from L’Equipe.","news","Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, chose Morocco over France for his senior career, targeting the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. The FRMF confirmed the decision Thursday.","330450999556706305","0","2026-05-14T18:20:33Z","why-ayyoub-bouaddi-chose-morocco-over-france-for-2026","L'Equipe","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lequipe.fr\u002FFootball\u002FActualites\u002FLe-milieu-de-lille-ayyoub-bouaddi-a-choisi-le-maroc-plutot-que-les-bleus\u002F1675816#at_medium=RSS_feeds","326222712219373568","Morocco",[72,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88],"326257535885512704","326222711447621632","326257610112110592","326222712726884352","326222767416414208","326257534681747456","326257536296554496","326257537865224192","326222712143876096","326257696737071104","326222711908995072","326222713142120448","326222711653142528","326222712898850816",[73,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103],"Lille","France","Atlas","Cape Verde Islands","Lesotho","FC St. Pauli","Auxerre","Estoril","Portugal","Diaspora","Mexico","Canada","Spain","Qatar","Why Ayyoub Bouaddi Chose Morocco Over France for 2026",[106,131,159,188],{"awayTeamId":-1,"awayTeamName":-1,"body":-1,"category":64,"excerpt":107,"homeTeamId":-1,"homeTeamName":-1,"id":108,"leagueId":29,"leagueName":30,"matchId":67,"matchName":21,"publishedAt":109,"slug":110,"sourceName":70,"sourceURL":111,"teamId":112,"teamName":113,"teamIds":114,"teamNames":122,"title":130},"Guéla Doué scored and assisted as Ivory Coast beat France 2-1 in a friendly, outshining his brother Désiré who featured for Les Bleus in the sibling showdown.","338200147588550657","2026-06-05T04:00:00Z","guela-doue-downs-brother-s-france-ivorian-2-1-win","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lequipe.fr\u002FFootball\u002FArticle\u002FUn-but-et-une-passe-decisive-contre-la-france-la-soiree-de-reve-pour-guela-doue-avec-la-cote-d-ivoire\u002F1681944#at_medium=RSS_feeds","326222712533946368","Ivory Coast",[112,76,115,116,117,79,118,81,82,119,120,121],"326255037997125632","326257536145559552","326222711401484288","326257536078450688","326257686389723136","326257535994564608","326222707169431552",[113,91,123,124,125,94,126,96,97,127,128,129],"Strasbourg","Rennes","Belgium","Paris Saint Germain","Together","Nantes","Anderlecht","Guéla Doué downs brother's France: Ivorian 2-1 win",{"awayTeamId":132,"awayTeamName":133,"body":-1,"category":64,"excerpt":134,"homeTeamId":85,"homeTeamName":100,"id":135,"leagueId":29,"leagueName":30,"matchId":136,"matchName":137,"publishedAt":138,"slug":139,"sourceName":140,"sourceURL":141,"teamId":85,"teamName":100,"teamIds":142,"teamNames":150,"title":158},"326222712622026752","South Africa","Shakira & Burna Boy sing 'Dai Dai' at 2026 World Cup opener June 11 in Mexico City, with J Balvin, Tyla. Buble, Morissette, Perry, Future lead other ceremonies.","338120887364489217","327115024327774208","Mexico vs South Africa","2026-06-04T22:48:54Z","shakira-burna-boy-to-open-2026-world-cup-in-mexico","BBC Sport","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.com\u002Fsport\u002Ffootball\u002Farticles\u002Fc8939ykg3qgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss",[85,132,143,86,144,121,145,146,147,148,149],"326222712936599552","326257593007738880","326222713016291328","326257563345620992","326257565195309056","326222711623782400","326257791226351616",[100,133,151,101,152,129,153,154,155,156,157],"Paraguay","Azteca","USA","Heracles","Barcelona","Colombia","Nigeria","Shakira, Burna Boy to Open 2026 World Cup in Mexico",{"awayTeamId":160,"awayTeamName":161,"body":-1,"category":64,"excerpt":162,"homeTeamId":76,"homeTeamName":91,"id":163,"leagueId":29,"leagueName":30,"matchId":164,"matchName":165,"publishedAt":166,"slug":167,"sourceName":70,"sourceURL":168,"teamId":112,"teamName":113,"teamIds":169,"teamNames":178,"title":187},"326222711783165952","Senegal","France lose first friendly under Deschamps, 2-1 to Ivory Coast in Nantes, revealing defensive issues 10 days before World Cup start vs Senegal.","338126221931974657","327115052106649600","France vs Senegal","2026-06-04T22:34:17Z","bleus-lose-friendly-under-deschamps-2-1-to-ivory-coast","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lequipe.fr\u002FFootball\u002FArticle\u002FUne-defaite-ni-vraiment-grave-ni-completement-anodine-pour-les-bleus-a-dix-jours-de-leur-entree-en-scene-au-mondial\u002F1681936#at_medium=RSS_feeds",[112,76,160,120,170,143,79,171,172,173,82,174,175,176,177,121],"326257810885054464","326255039846813696","326255041625198592","326257536413995008","326257541157752832","326257545754710016","326257554411753472","326257789708013568",[113,91,161,128,179,151,94,180,181,182,97,183,184,185,186,129],"York","FK Partizan","Partizani","Paris FC","Galatasaray","Newcastle","Newcastle Jets","China","Bleus Lose Friendly Under Deschamps: 2-1 to Ivory Coast",{"awayTeamId":189,"awayTeamName":190,"body":-1,"category":64,"excerpt":191,"homeTeamId":76,"homeTeamName":91,"id":192,"leagueId":29,"leagueName":30,"matchId":193,"matchName":194,"publishedAt":195,"slug":196,"sourceName":70,"sourceURL":197,"teamId":76,"teamName":91,"teamIds":198,"teamNames":205,"title":212},"326222712819159040","Iraq","Lucas Hernandez: France's 1-2 friendly loss to Ivory Coast is better now than June 16 World Cup opener vs Senegal, with Northern Ireland test next.","338124609578602497","327115069915664384","France vs Iraq","2026-06-04T22:32:57Z","hernandez-france-loss-better-now-than-june-16","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lequipe.fr\u002FFootball\u002FActualites\u002FLucas-hernandez-apres-la-defaite-1-2-de-la-france-contre-la-cote-d-ivoire\u002F1681942#at_medium=RSS_feeds",[76,189,112,160,199,75,200,82,174,201,202,203,204,88],"326257664243798016","326222712013852672","326257556060114944","326257565845426176","326257695210344448","326257796423094272",[91,190,113,161,206,90,207,97,183,208,209,210,211,103],"Northern Ireland","Iran","Estudiantes L.P.","Mallorca","Signal","Russia","Hernandez: France Loss Better Now Than June 16"]