Kays El Mouttaqui, the 14-year-old son of former Morocco captain Mehdi Benatia, has been called up to France's U15 team for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan. According to L'Équipe, the French Football Federation selected El Mouttaqui, an Olympique de Marseille forward, among 18 players born in 2012. Coach Pierre-Emmanuel Bourdeau chose the group for a training camp at France's national center in Clairefontaine from October 18 to 22.
El Mouttaqui's inclusion in the France U15 squad is a significant step in his development as a player. He currently plays in Marseille's academy and is part of the club's U17 roster for the 2026/27 season. The young player will compete with other talented players for a spot in the final 14-player squad that will travel to Baku for the tournament. France will face Anguilla, the Maldives, Estonia, Kosovo, and South Africa in the group stage.
The inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival will feature approximately 950 matches across five short-format matches in the opening stage, played eight-a-side over two 20-minute halves. Most matches will take place at the Hovsan Competition Complex, while Baku's Crystal Hall will host the opening fixture and the tournament's tier finals. Around 190 member associations and roughly 3,000 participants are expected to take part in the event.
Mehdi Benatia, Kays' father, represented Morocco for over a decade and captained the Atlas Lions at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. While Kays' call-up to the France U15 team carries additional interest in Morocco due to his father's international career, it represents a step in his development rather than a definitive decision over his long-term senior international future.
The French Football Federation will reduce the squad to 14 players for the trip to Baku, meaning El Mouttaqui's place at the tournament itself is not yet guaranteed. The coaching staff will assess the players during the Clairefontaine camp to make the final selection. El Mouttaqui and his teammates will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against top-level opponents.
FIFA introduced the U15 World Cup and Festival as a new global youth competition focused heavily on player development. The event aims to provide a platform for young players to gain experience and develop their skills in a competitive environment. The tournament will feature teams from around the world, providing a unique opportunity for players to test themselves against different opponents.
El Mouttaqui's call-up to the France U15 team is a notable achievement for the young player, and his performance in the tournament will be closely watched by fans and coaches alike. As the event approaches, El Mouttaqui and his teammates will prepare to represent France and compete for a top finish in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival.
Key points
- Kays El Mouttaqui, son of Mehdi Benatia, joins France's U15 team for the FIFA World Cup Festival in Azerbaijan.
