Algeria World Cup 2026 Squad Preview

After a 12-year absence, Algeria is back on football’s biggest stage, heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with a roster brimming with talent. The Fennecs last reached the tournament’s round of 16 in 2014, nearly upsetting Germany in a 2-1 extra-time loss that remains a high point in the nation’s football history.

Vladimir Petkovic’s side now aims to forge new memories, facing a group that includes defending champions Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. The squad selection process is underway, with several positions still open for competition.

Goalkeeping Battle

The race to replace veteran Rais M’Bolhi is wide open. Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine, switched allegiance to Algeria last year and debuted at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a knee injury sidelined Alexis Guendouz. Zidane, playing in Spain’s second division, featured in two group games, the round of 16, and a quarter-final defeat but has yet to fully convince.

Guendouz and Anthony Madrea remain options. Petkovic has also called up 19-year-old Stade Rennais goalkeeper Kilian Belazzoug and Melvin Mastil for pre-World Cup friendlies, signaling both could make the final cut.

Defensive Core

Algeria’s backline boasts significant talent, led by Manchester City full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and Borussia Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaini. Captain Aissa Mandi, Algeria’s most capped player with over 100 appearances, anchors the defense. Rafik Belghali has emerged as a strong full-back option under Petkovic.

Belghali and Zidane faced bans after a scuffle following the AFCON quarter-final loss to Nigeria, but those suspensions will be served in AFCON qualifying, making both available for the World Cup. Zineddine Belaid and Samir Chergui, part of the AFCON quarter-final squad, are also in contention, with Chergui expected to recover from injury. Achraf Abada is pushing for inclusion after March friendlies against Guatemala and Uruguay, while Mohamed Amine Tougai faces doubts after being left out. Jaouen Hadjam is recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Burkina Faso, and Youcef Atal will miss out due to an Achilles injury.

Midfield Mix

Algeria’s midfield blends youth and experience. Ismael Bennacer, with over 50 caps, hopes to make the squad after a hamstring injury during AFCON. Currently on loan at Dinamo Zagreb, he was a surprise omission from March’s friendlies. Adem Zorgane, Himad Abdelli, and Nabil Bentaleb were also left out as Petkovic evaluated new faces, while Ilan Kebbal missed out due to injury.

Those absences saw Houssem Aouar and Yacine Titraoui return to the squad, both aiming for the final cut. Fares Chaibi of Eintracht Frankfurt appears a certainty, capable of anchoring the midfield and dictating play. Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star Ibrahim Maza has impressed in the Bundesliga, while Schalke’s Adil Aouchiche is pushing for a spot after March call-ups.

Attacking Options

Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s biggest name, has announced this will be his last World Cup. The 34-year-old winger, a key figure for the Fennecs, leaves big shoes to fill, with Anis Hadj Moussa tipped as his successor. Wolfsburg’s Mohamed Amoura brings a dangerous record of 19 goals in 42 international appearances, including 10 in World Cup qualifying to lead African scorers. Marseille’s Amine Gouiri adds further attacking talent.

Young Adil Boulbina, 22, is one to watch after being Algeria’s top scorer at the 2025 Arab Cup and scoring a wonder strike in extra-time to send Algeria to the AFCON quarter-finals. Farès Ghedjemis of Frosinone has caught Petkovic’s eye and appears close to securing a squad place.

Star Players and Predicted XI

Mahrez remains Algeria’s biggest star, known for his creativity and goal-scoring from his time at Leicester City and Manchester City, now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. Ait-Nouri, an attack-minded full-back who followed Mahrez to Manchester City, will be key at the back. Amoura’s pace and versatility across the front three have drawn Premier League interest, while Gouiri, who missed AFCON with a shoulder injury, has returned with five goals in eight matches for Marseille.

The goalkeeper position remains uncertain, with Luca Zidane likely to start against Argentina after taking the gloves at AFCON. The defense looks set with Ait-Nouri, Mandi, Bensebaini, and Belghali. Fares Chaibi is expected to anchor a three-man midfield alongside Bennacer and Hicham Boudaoui. In attack, Mahrez will likely start on the right, with Ibrahim Maza through the middle and Mohamed Amoura on the left.

Predicted Algeria Starting XI for World Cup 2026 (4-3-3): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Baoudaoui, Bennacer, Chaibi; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura.