Ayyoub Bouaddi stole the show on Saturday with a strong performance in his first World Cup game at MetLife Stadium. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who had complete faith in the young talent, was not surprised by his calm midfield performance.
Sofascore reports that teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi made a spectacular worldwide debut by anchoring Morocco’s midfield against five-time winners Brazil with a stunning 87 touches and 60 precise passes.
With an exciting 1-1 draw, Morocco’s first game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a close. At the 21st minute Ismael Saibari pulled the Atlas Lions ahead only for Vinícius Júnior to draw Brazil just eleven minutes later.
Coming only months after he played for France at the Under-21 level in March, following years in the French youth system, this game was important for Bouaddi as it signalled his senior international debut.
Based on post-match statistics from Sofascore, the 18-year-old midfielder sparkled, leading Morocco with three successful dribbles, 60 accurate passes, and 87 touches. His great debut enabled Morocco to compete against one of the most famous clubs in soccer.
Bouaddi showed control during the game, first taking the lead over Casemiro in the first half, then dominating the midfield versus Fabinho following the break.
Ouahbi told reporters later, “it wasn’t a gamble to start him at just 18.” I pay just attention to players’ performances, not their age. If a player performs well, whether they are 35 or 17, they will play. He also stressed that starting Bouaddi was a confident choice based on the skills of the young player.
The Morocco coach said that starting Bouaddi was a deliberate decision as he was sure the young player would rise to the occasion against Brazil; he rejected the idea of a bold pick. I won’t run away from playing younger players. We knew he would do well, thus it was not at all risky. That wasn’t the kind of game for risking against Brazil.”
Tonight, Ayyoub Bouaddi was unusually composed. One user said, “An underrated performance and our Man of the Match.” Another called him “super exceptional,” emphasising his amazing “composure and passion.”
On June 19 in Foxborough, the Atlas Lions hope to keep this momentum going against Scotland; five days later, there is a final group-stage match against Haiti in Atlanta.
