Morocco legend Mehdi Benatia’s son named in France squad for FIFA U15 festival

Kays El Mouttaqui, the son of former Morocco captain Mehdi Benatia, has been included in France’s Under-15 squad ahead of the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan.

The 14-year-old Olympique de Marseille forward is among 18 players born in 2012 selected by France coach Pierre-Emmanuel Bourdeau, according to L’Équipe.

El Mouttaqui will join the squad at France’s national training centre in Clairefontaine from 18 to 22 October before the coaching staff select 14 players for the tournament in Baku.

His place at the competition is therefore not yet confirmed.

Benatia’s son developing at Marseille

El Mouttaqui currently plays in Marseille’s academy and is listed with the club’s Under-17 squad for the 2026/27 season.

His France call-up is another step in his development and comes with additional interest because of his father’s international career with Morocco.

Benatia represented the Atlas Lions for more than a decade and captained the country at the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

El Mouttaqui’s selection for France at youth level does not determine his senior international future.

France face five opponents in Baku

France have been drawn in a group featuring Anguilla, the Maldives, Estonia, Kosovo and South Africa.

The opening stage will consist of five short-format matches as part of Fifa’s new youth competition.

The inaugural boys’ edition of the U15 World Cup and Festival will be held in Baku, with matches played eight-a-side across two 20-minute halves.

Fifa says about 190 member associations and around 3,000 participants will take part in approximately 950 matches during the festival.

Most of the games will be played at the Hovsan Competition Complex, while Baku’s Crystal Hall will host the opening fixture and the tournament’s tier finals.