Bouaddi picks Morocco as France quarter-final looms

Bouaddi chose Morocco, and France get it

Ayyoub Bouaddi made his call. The 18-year-old Lille midfielder has committed to Morocco over France, just days before the two nations meet in a World Cup quarter-final (1). France assistant coach Guy Stéphan took it calmly on Monday: "We're not going to blame him" (4). That is about as gracious as it gets.

France on Thursday, and Hakimi is ready

Morocco face France in the quarter-finals on Thursday in Boston (3) (5). Achraf Hakimi set the tone on Sunday: Mbappé is "not my friend on the pitch" (7). The two are close off it, but Hakimi is drawing the line. This is a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, and your team just knocked out the Netherlands on penalties to get here (6) (8).

Liverpool are watching Bouaddi

Liverpool had eyes on Bouaddi during the World Cup, and the interest is concrete (2). No bid yet, but a Premier League move is the kind of noise that follows a breakout tournament. He is 18. His stock is only rising.

Van Dijk called it heartbreaking

Virgil van Dijk did not hide after the Netherlands' exit. "As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud. To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day" (6) (8). Morocco put the Dutch out on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Saibari was the hero from the spot.