Algeria national team head coach Vladimir Petkovic has officially announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Les Fennecs are bracing themselves for a highly competitive group stage phase, having been drawn into Group J alongside reigning tournament holders Argentina, Austria, and Jordan.
The selection boasts immense veteran leadership, headlined by team captain Riyad Mahrez and the nation’s all-time record appearance-maker, Aissa Mandi. In a major boost to Petkovic’s midfield options, Nabil Bentaleb has also been included, marking a triumphant return to the international stage following a career previously disrupted by various injury setbacks.
Perhaps the most remarkable inclusion in the squad is goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The 28-year-old son of France’s 1998 World Cup hero Zinedine Zidane earned his spot on the plane despite suffering a broken jaw and a fractured chin while playing for Spanish side Granada in April. Since making his senior debut for the North African side last October, Zidane has collected six international caps. He is joined in the goalkeeping department by Oussama Benbot and Melvin Mastil.
This tournament holds historic significance for Algerian football, representing their first appearance at a World Cup finals since their memorable run at Brazil 2014, where they pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time before exiting in the Round of 16. To fine-tune their tactical setups, Petkovic’s squad will contest two high-profile warm-up friendlies against the Netherlands on 3 June and Bolivia on 10 June.
The Official 26-Man Algeria Roster
The final group consists of an exciting blend of experienced continental stalwarts and technically gifted younger players ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Goalkeepers
- Oussama Benbot
- Melvin Mastil
- Luca Zidane
Defenders
- Achref Abada
- Rayan Ait-Nouri
- Zineddine Belaid
- Rafik Belghali
- Ramy Bensebaïni
- Samir Chergui
- Jaouen Hadjam
- Aissa Mandi
- Mohamed Tougai
Midfielders
- Houssem Aouar
- Nabil Bentaleb
- Hicham Boudaoui
- Fares Chaibi
- Ibrahim Maza
- Yacine Titraoui
- Ramiz Zerrouki
Forwards
- Mohamed Amoura
- Nadhir Benbouali
- Adil Boulbina
- Fares Ghedjemis
- Amine Gouiri
- Riyad Mahrez
- Anis Hadj Moussa
All team sheets remain strictly provisional until soccer’s global governing body publishes the definitive 26-player lists on 2 June, following the official submission deadline for all competing nations.
Group J Match Schedule and Venues
Algeria will kick off their ambitious World Cup campaign with a blockbuster opening fixture against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Missouri, before traveling to the West Coast and wrapping up the group stage back in the Midwest.
- 16 June: Argentina v Algeria – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City
- 22 June: Jordan v Algeria – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara
- 27 June: Algeria v Austria – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City