Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has officially announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, heavily prioritizing international experience. The North African nation has been placed in a challenging Group J alongside reigning global champions Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. This tournament marks a historic return for the Desert Foxes, who have successfully qualified for the global showpiece for the first time since 2014. Soccer enthusiasts across the country are expressing renewed optimism for their national team`s prospects on the grand stage.Luca Zidane has earned a surprise inclusion in the World Cup roster.
The goalkeeper, who is the son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, made the final cut despite suffering a serious injury during domestic club action. Luca sustained severe jaw and chin injuries in April while playing for Spanish club Granada, sparking intense doubts regarding his physical readiness. However, Petkovic has displayed immense faith in the shot-stopper, naming him alongside trusted options Oussama Benbot and Melvin Mastil. Since making his international debut for Algeria last October, Luca has earned a total of six caps.
The defensive and midfield compartments will heavily benefit from the return of several high-profile stars who previously struggled with fitness issues. Veteran defender Aissa Mandi, who holds the record for the most international caps in the current squad, will lead the backline alongside Rayan Ait-Nouri and Ramy Bensebaini. Midfield maestro Nabil Bentaleb has also returned after a prolonged rehabilitation process to inject structural balance into the center. Furthermore, newly recovered stars Houssem Aouar and Amine Gouiri are back to full strength after missing the Africa Cup of Nations.
In the attacking department, talismanic captain Riyad Mahrez remains the focal point to provide necessary leadership and clinical creativity. Young talents like Mohamed Amine Amoura and Anis Hadj Moussa add dynamic depth to an offensive line hungry to replicate their iconic 2014 run, which ended in the Round of 16 against Germany. Ahead of the official tournament, Algeria will play two warm-up fixtures against the Netherlands on June 3 and Bolivia on June 10. They will kick off their official World Cup campaign against heavyweights Argentina on June 17 in Kansas City.
