Algeria squad announcement for 2026 World Cup: Mahrez leads comeback and Luca Zidane makes debut

⚡ Key points AI generated

Algeria returns to the World Cup after 12 years of absence at Brazil 2014, facing champion Argentina in Group J with a vertical and intense style proposed by manager Vladimir Petković
Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) leads as captain with 113 matches and 38 goals, being the most experienced and decisive player of the Fennecs
Luca Zidane (Granada), son of Zinedine, makes his World Cup debut as Algeria's goalkeeper, bringing the Zidane surname back to the competition

Algeria returns to the elite (Group J, the one with champion Argentina) with flying colours and a story that sells itself: a Zidane surname returns to a World Cup. The Fennecs are back at a World Cup after 12 years (their last was Brazil 2014).

⚠️ Preliminary squad of 27 players (with 4 goalkeepers). Petković must cut one of the keepers before the debut, so the final 26-man list could change.

🌟 Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) is the captain and absolute leader: 113 appearances and 38 goals for the Fennecs. The ex-City man remains decisive.

🧤 The headline-grabber: Luca Zidane (Granada), son of Zinedine, guards the post for the Desert Foxes. That surname, back at a World Cup once more.

💎 Eyes on the future: Ibrahim Maza (Leverkusen) is the gem; up front, Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg) and Amine Gouiri (Marseille) provide the goals.

🏜️ After 12 years away, the Desert Foxes return to the big stage. Petković proposes a direct, intense style to make life difficult for none other than champion Argentina in the opener.

📋 Full squad · Manager: Vladimir Petković

🧤 Goalkeepers

Luca Zidane (Granada), Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Melvin Mastil (Stade Nyonnais), Abdelatif Ramdane (CS Constantine)

🛡️ Defenders

Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona), Samir Chergui (Red Star), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys), Aïssa Mandi (Lille), Ramy Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund), Zineddine Belaïd (JS Kabylie), Achref Abada (USM Alger), Mohamed Amine Tougai (ES Tunis)

⚙️ Midfielders

Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Yacine Titraoui (Charleroi), Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente)

⚽ Forwards

Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg), Nadhir Benbouali (Győr), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail), Farès Ghedjemis (Frosinone), Amine Gouiri (Marseille), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli, captain)

🏆 Group J

⚽ Opponents: Argentina, Austria and Jordan

⚽ Don't miss a minute

Watch all of Algeria's matches here

Watch on DAZN →

Affiliate link. If you subscribe from here, you support Elopi23 at no extra cost to you.

🌍 Follow the 2026 World Cup with Elopi23

View groups and matches →

Frequently asked questions

Who is Algeria's coach for the 2026 World Cup?

Vladimir Petković is Algeria's coach for the 2026 World Cup.

Which group is Algeria in at the 2026 World Cup?

Algeria is in Group J at the 2026 World Cup, alongside Argentina, Austria and Jordan.

How many players does Algeria call up for the 2026 World Cup?

Algeria named a squad of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, according to the FIFA format established for the tournament.

Where does Algeria play its matches at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Algeria plays in Group J against Argentina, Austria and Jordan.

Argelia Convocatoria Mundial 2026 Mahrez Luca Zidane Petković Grupo J

All articles

💬 Have your say×

💬 Comments

Have your say, YouTube-comments style but at home. Be polite — decent folk read this.