Morocco has reportedly submitted its preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, featuring a notable surprise inclusion: rising star Ayoub Bouaddi, the talented midfielder from French club Lille. The development has stirred excitement among Moroccan fans, as the young prodigy is considered one of the brightest prospects in European football.
According to Moroccan news outlet Le360, Bouaddi’s name appears on the initial list sent to FIFA, though his international future remains officially undecided. Sources indicate that the player has shown positive signals toward representing Morocco, and a final decision is expected in the coming days.
FIFA announced that each team will be allowed a maximum of 26 players in the final squad, the same number used during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The governing body also confirmed that the official final rosters for all 48 participating nations will be unveiled on Tuesday, June 2.
The preliminary squads, used solely for internal purposes and not publicly released, must contain between 35 and 55 players, including at least four goalkeepers. The final 23-26 player list must feature a minimum of three goalkeepers.
FIFA further clarified that any player in the final squad can only be replaced by someone from the preliminary list in the event of a serious injury or illness, and such substitutions must occur no later than 24 hours before the team’s first match. Goalkeepers, however, may be replaced at any time during the tournament if injury or illness prevents them from playing.