Deschamps considered Bouaddi not yet ready before Morocco World Cup switch

France head coach Didier Deschamps did not include Ayyoub Bouaddi in Les Bleus’ squad for the 2026 World Cup because he considered the Lille midfielder “not yet ready,” Hubert Fournier, the technical director of the French Football Federation (FFF), revealed in comments to The Athletic.

Fournier said the 18-year-old, who represented France at every youth level and spent a year and a half with the U21 team, had been included on the extended list but could not be guaranteed a place in the final squad due to fierce competition. “Deschamps decided not to select Bouaddi, while Morocco offered him the opportunity to play at the World Cup,” he said, describing the midfielder as “a significant loss” for French football.

Bouaddi switched his sporting nationality to Morocco in May, just weeks before the tournament, and has since emerged as one of the Atlas Lions’ standout performers, impressing in his World Cup debut against Brazil.