Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are intensifying across all qualified nations as coaching staffs continue to assess the best squads capable of competing on football’s biggest stage.
According to a close source, Ayyoub Bouaddi has been included in the preliminary squad list submitted by Morocco to FIFA ahead of the tournament.
The young midfielder, who currently plays for Lille OSC, is regarded as one of the emerging talents being monitored closely by the Moroccan technical team.
The report added that Bouaad has yet to make a final decision regarding his international future. However, early signs reportedly indicate that the player is leaning positively toward representing Morocco, with a definitive decision expected within the coming days.
FIFA recently confirmed that all participating nations at the 2026 World Cup will be allowed to register up to 26 players in their final squads, maintaining the same squad size used during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The world football governing body also revealed that the official final squads for the 48 participating countries will be announced on Tuesday, June 2.
According to FIFA regulations, preliminary lists submitted by national teams must contain between 35 and 55 players, including at least four goalkeepers. These provisional squads are intended for internal use and will not be officially published.
FIFA further clarified that final squads must include between 23 and 26 players, with at least three goalkeepers required in every team selection.
The organisation also stated that any replacement for an injured or seriously ill player in the final squad must come from the preliminary list, provided the change is made no later than 24 hours before a team’s opening match. Goalkeepers, however, may be replaced at any stage of the competition if injury or illness prevents participation.
