World Cup 2026: Mustapha Hadji reveals he convinced Issa Diop to switch allegiance to Morocco

Mustapha Hadji has revealed he played a key behind-the-scenes role in persuading Issa Diop to commit his international future to Morocco, describing a direct personal approach that ultimately changed the defender’s career trajectory.

The former Morocco international explained that he personally initiated contact with Diop while the defender was still weighing up his international options, insisting the conversation marked a turning point in what had long been a France-focused career path.

Diop, who was born in Toulouse to a Senegalese father and Moroccan mother, had been eligible to represent three countries but spent much of his early career committed to France, progressing through the youth system and collecting 39 appearances across various age groups from Under-16 to Under-21 level.

“France or nothing” stance softened over time

During his rise through professional football, including spells at Toulouse FC and later in the Premier League with West Ham United and Fulham, Diop had consistently maintained that his ambition was to break into the senior France squad.

For years, the defender held firm to that position, believing a call-up to Didier Deschamps’ side was the ultimate goal. However, as opportunities at senior international level failed to materialise, attention from other federations intensified.

Morocco, in particular, viewed Diop as a long-term defensive solution as part of a broader strategy of strengthening their squad with dual-nationality talent, especially following their growing influence on the international stage.

The private meeting that changed everything

Hadji explained that his approach bypassed formal recruitment channels in favour of a personal, face-to-face meeting designed to appeal directly to Diop’s family ties and identity.

“I was the first to go and meet Diop and convince him to play for the Moroccan national team. At that time he was playing for West Ham, and I met him because he was waiting for a call from Deschamps. I went to meet him, his family, and his friends.”

“When I sat with him in London, I said to him: Is your mother Moroccan? He said yes. I asked him: who do you love most in your life? He said: my mother. So I told him: then why don’t you come to Morocco? He then said he was ready to join the national team.”

He concluded: “Thank God he chose Morocco, achieved great success and did excellent work, scored a great goal against the Netherlands, and I wish him all the best with the Moroccan national team.”

FIFA switch and immediate impact

Following the breakthrough in discussions, Diop completed the formal administrative process in early 2026 to finalise his switch of international allegiance to Morocco, making him eligible for selection ahead of major tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision was also marked by a symbolic gesture, with Diop opting to wear “Issa” on his national team shirt as a tribute to his maternal heritage.

The move has since proven significant on the pitch. Diop recently delivered a decisive moment for Morocco, scoring a dramatic late equaliser against the Netherlands to help secure qualification for the knockout stages of the tournament.