Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Boudaoui will become the second youngest player to feature in a World Cup quarter-final match, behind Brazilian legend Pelé, after being named in the starting lineup for Thursday's clash against France in Boston.

Since the start of the tournament, the Lille midfielder has impressed, and at 18 years and 280 days old, Boudaoui becomes the second youngest player to participate in the quarter-finals.

He is still eclipsed by the great Pelé, who was just 17 years and 239 days old when he played in his first World Cup quarter-final, during Brazil's match against Wales in 1958.

The Brazilian legend shone in that match, scoring the only goal (1-0) to become the youngest scorer in World Cup history, a record that still stands today.

As with Boudaoui, Pelé emerged during his first World Cup, and even led Brazil to their first title, scoring six goals.

Boudaoui will also become, with his appearance on Thursday, the first African player ever to play in five World Cup matches before turning 20.