Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has insisted there was never any risk in handing 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi his senior international debut against Brazil after the teenager produced one of the standout performances in the Atlas Lions’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The France-born midfielder was making his first appearance for Morocco at senior level and his first World Cup appearance when he lined up against the five-time world champions at MetLife Stadium in New York.
Despite his lack of international experience, Bouaddi played a key role as Morocco earned an impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil, with many observers identifying the teenager as one of the game’s most influential performers.
The result represented another encouraging moment for African football, with Morocco once again showing their ability to compete against the world’s elite on the biggest stage.
Morocco took the lead through Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute before Vinicius Junior equalised 11 minutes later. However, much of the post-match discussion centred on Bouaddi’s maturity and composure in midfield.
Speaking after the match, Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that selecting the teenager had been a gamble.
“It was not a risk to play him just because he’s 18,” Ouahbi told journalists after the match.
“I only look at players’ performance, not the age of the player. He could be 35, and if he plays well, he’ll play, or 17.
“I’m not the guy to be afraid of playing youngsters, we were sure and certain that he’d have a big match, and so it wasn’t a risk at all – it wasn’t the kind of match for taking risks against Brazil.
“Maybe it’s because he’s a new player that everyone’s got so excited, it was his first match at international level, an important match at his young age, but he’s not short of experience.”
Bouaddi’s performance was particularly notable given the calibre of opponents he faced.
The midfielder held his own against experienced Brazilian internationals and was heavily involved throughout the contest.
The teenager spent his youth international career with France and represented the French Under-21 side as recently as March before switching allegiance to Morocco.
His decision to represent the Atlas Lions was confirmed only last month, and he made his unofficial introduction to senior international football in a friendly against Madagascar on June 2.
Ouahbi revealed that Morocco invested significant effort in convincing the highly-rated youngster to commit to the North African nation.
“He didn’t impress me [tonight] because we already know what a player he is,” Ouahbi continued.
“We had a lot of meetings with him to get him to choose Morocco, and he was good. He already has a lot [of experience] in Ligue 1, it’s not just about his age, he has already played more matches than others [older than him], more matches in the Champions League.
“There was also the masterclass against Real Madrid [a 1-0 victory for Lille in March 2024], and so he may only be 18, but he already has a lot of experience accumulated.”
Although only 18, Bouaddi has already established himself at club level. Since making his debut for Lille during the 2023-24 campaign, he has accumulated 63 Ligue 1 appearances and gained valuable European experience.
His emergence is part of what appears to be a promising new generation for Morocco.
Against Brazil, Bouaddi started alongside 24-year-old Neil El Aynaoui, while 20-year-old Samir El Mourabet was introduced later in the match. The youthful midfield combination offered a glimpse into the future of the national team.
Ouahbi believes the Atlas Lions have a strong foundation for years to come.
“In the midfield we have many for the future,” Ouahbi concluded.
“Ayyoub, El Aynaoui, Samir came in and did well, [26-year-old Azzedine] Ounahi, had a very good first half.
“We will be even better in the coming matches, and we have other midfielders as well, including [Sofyan] Amrabat, who can bring other qualities, and others with whom I won the U-20 World Cup who aren’t with us.”
