Algerian national football team coach Vladimir Petković has unveiled the final squad list for the upcoming 2026 World Cup finals.
Algeria national football team 2026 World Cup squad
At a press conference held at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, the Bosnian tactician revealed a 26+1 player roster set to represent Algeria on the global stage.
In goal, Petković has selected Loucif Zidane, Melfi Mustapha, and Oussama Benbot, opting to omit the young goalkeeper Belazoug (19) despite his participation in the recent training camp.
Despite concerns over a jaw injury, Zidane's demonstrated readiness during the Sidi Moussa training camp has reassured Petković and his staff of his availability for the World Cup. Meanwhile, MC Alger's goalkeeper Abdeltif Ramdane has been included as a fourth-choice keeper for the trip to the United States.
On the defensive front, the squad features nine defenders, including AC Ajaccio's Ashraf Bada, who has earned the coach's trust with recent performances. Mohamed Amine Tougai makes a return after missing the March training camp, alongside Samir Cherki and Youcef Hajem, who are back after recovering from injuries that sidelined them for previous tournaments, notably the Africa Cup of Nations. Mahdi Dorval, however, did not make the cut, a decision potentially linked to a dip in form and his club's relegation in the Italian league.
In midfield, the notable absences are Ismaïl Bennacer and Adam Zorgane. Bennacer's exclusion is attributed to recurring injuries and difficulties in regaining form, while Zorgane did not convince the technical staff despite consistent performances for Union SG, the Belgian Cup winners. Conversely, Nabil Bentaleb makes a strong return after missing several camps for disciplinary reasons, having re-established himself with impressive displays for Lille. Yacine Titraoui continues to be a reliable presence, solidifying his position as a trusted player under Petković.
Upfront, Petković has maintained his strict selection criteria. Baghdad Bounedjah is again omitted, with speculation pointing towards disciplinary and behavioral reasons. In contrast, Nadir Benbouali of Hungarian club Győri ETO FC is included. Ilan Kebbal has also not been called up despite good performances for Paris FC, making way for new faces like Fares Ghoulem, who has secured a spot in the World Cup-bound squad.
Related topics: Algeria World Cup squad, football team selection, Vladimir Petković, Algerian sports news, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Algeria
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