Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi will become the second youngest player to play in a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal when he takes the field against France in Boston on Thursday.
The 18-year-old will slot behind Pele in the all-time list, who was 17 years and 239 days old, when he played for Brazil against Wales in 1958.
Bouaddi made his national team debut only in May this year under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi after representing France in the age-group football.
He has played in four out of his nation’s five games this World Cup.
Bouaddi came through the ranks at Ligue 1 club Lille and has made 63 appearances for the side since his debut in 2023.
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Published on Jul 10, 2026