The young Moroccan star Ayoub Bouaddi is preparing to write a new page in World Cup history, after his participation as a starter with the "Atlas Lions" against France was confirmed this Thursday evening in the quarter-final round of the 2026 World Cup.
At the age of 18 years and 280 days, Bouaddi, according to the Opta network, has become the second-youngest player to feature in a quarter-final match in the history of the tournament, an exceptional achievement that places him behind only the Brazilian legend Pelé.
The record remains held by Pelé, who played in the 1958 World Cup quarter-final against Wales at the age of 17 years and 239 days, before later leading Brazil to the title.
Moroccan football fans are eagerly awaiting Bouaddi's first appearance in this round, hoping he will lead his country's national team to continue its run and achieve a new historic feat against the French national team.
