Morocco has secured the international allegiance of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following FIFA’s approval of his nationality switch, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced Friday. Born in France to Moroccan parents, Bouaddi is now eligible to represent Morocco in all international competitions, including the upcoming World Cup in North America.

The decision by FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber comes just weeks before the tournament, providing a timely boost for the Atlas Lions as they prepare to compete on the global stage. Bouaddi’s move ends a competition between Morocco and France for the young midfielder’s international future, with Morocco ultimately prevailing.

Details surrounding the timeline of the switch or the factors influencing Bouaddi’s choice have not been disclosed. However, the approval allows the 18-year-old to join the Moroccan national team without delay, potentially strengthening their squad depth and midfield options.

Bouaddi currently plays for Lille OSC in France’s Ligue 1, where he has been regarded as one of the league’s promising young talents. His inclusion in the Moroccan setup highlights the increasing trend of players with dual nationality opting to represent their heritage at the international level.

As the World Cup approaches, Morocco’s acquisition of Bouaddi reflects broader strategic moves by national teams to solidify their rosters, aiming to maximize their competitive edge on football’s biggest stage.