At just 18, Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi became one of the tournament’s biggest stories after a superb debut in a 1-1 draw with Brazil in the opening match of Group 3 at the 2026 World Cup. Born in France and only granted Moroccan citizenship last month, Bouaddi controlled the midfield, completed 60 of 66 passes for 91 percent accuracy, won nine balls, made three successful dribbles from a defensive midfield role, added six ball recoveries and five interceptions, and was especially composed against the Brazilians.
Morocco coach Mohamed Oubi said he had no hesitation starting him. "I was not afraid at all to put him in the lineup," he said. "For me there is no difference between a 35-year-old player and a 17-year-old player. If he is a good player, he will play." Oubi also praised Bouaddi for playing simply and for bringing experience from French league football despite his age. Morocco’s midfield, which also includes Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Samir El Morabit and Azzedine Ounahi, is being described internally as one of the team’s strengths.
The performance prompted French fans in New Jersey, after the match at MetLife Stadium, to thank France and Didier Deschamps for letting Morocco take him. One supporter said, "Thank you very much to France, thank you very much to Didier Deschamps for giving us Bouaddi. He is only 18 but he is one of the best in the world." The sentiment reflected a growing sense in French media that France has lost a major talent.
Bouaddi, who was born in France and has played for France’s youth teams from under-16 through under-21 level, already has 63 appearances in Ligue 1. Morocco pursued him for months because of his family ties to the country and its successful football project. Morocco finished fourth at the previous World Cup, won the latest Africa Cup of Nations, won the 2023 U20 World Cup and took bronze at the Paris Olympics. After his breakout against Brazil, reports said Arsenal, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have begun talks or are closely monitoring him, while Lille may seek about 70 million euros for a player whose Transfermarkt valuation is 50 million euros.
