In a significant setback for the Algerian national team, star player Youcef Belaïli has been officially ruled out of both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco and the Arab Cup in Qatar. A serious injury will sideline the talented midfielder for an extended period, depriving the Fennecs of a key attacking force.
Belaïli sustained the injury during the Tunisian derby between Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Club Africain. He was forced to leave the pitch just 21 minutes into the match after suffering a blow to his right knee.
Medical examinations, including an MRI scan, have revealed a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of his knee. This significant injury typically requires a recovery period of up to six months, effectively ending Belaïli’s hopes of participating in the upcoming international tournaments.
This unfortunate development means that national team coach Vladimir Petković will have to proceed without Belaïli for the highly anticipated AFCON 2025. Similarly, Madjid Bougherra, coach of the Algerian A’ national team, will be without the player’s services for the Arab Cup, scheduled for December.
Furthermore, Belaïli’s chances of recovering in time for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers appear slim, given the severity of the injury and the lengthy rehabilitation process required for a full recovery. This is a major concern for Algerian football fans, who were hoping to see Belaïli play a key role in the team’s quest to qualify for the global tournament.
The Algerian national team is set to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026. The A’ team will participate in the Arab Cup in Qatar from December 1 to 18, 2025. DZWatch will continue to provide updates on Belaïli’s recovery and the national team’s preparations for these important competitions.
