Fulham defender Issa Diop's international debut for Morocco has been seen as a public relations coup amid controversy over Senegal's loss of the Africa Cup of ​Nations title and Morocco's overall win. Diop was born in France and played for the Under-21 level before his application to switch nationality to Morocco was approved by FIFA. He was immediately drafted into the starting line-up for a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in Madrid. Despite previously rejecting offers from both France and Senegal, Diop has accepted the opportunity to play at the World Cup for Morocco. This is the first time the North Africans have sought players with links to France for their national team.