Algeria has unveiled its squad for the upcoming World Cup, featuring a notable inclusion: Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has received his first call-up to the national team. The squad also marks the return of veteran forward Riyad Mahrez, who at 35 years old, currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.
Zidane’s Path to the Desert Foxes
Luca Zidane, 28, established himself as Algeria’s primary goalkeeper during the recent Africa Cup of Nations. However, his participation in the World Cup campaign faced a potential setback after he sustained a broken jaw and chin in April while playing for Spanish side Granada.
The goalkeeper previously represented France at the under-20 level. He later opted to switch his international allegiance to Algeria, the country of his grandparents.
His father, Zinedine Zidane, is an iconic figure in World Cup history. The elder Zidane famously scored twice in France’s 1998 World Cup final victory on home soil and also scored in the 2006 final, though he was famously sent off during that match against Italy.
Key Recalls and New Faces
Coach Vladimir Petkovic has also recalled former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb to the squad after a seven-month absence. Bentaleb, 31, has been playing for Lille in France for the past three seasons.
Midfielders Houssem Aouar and forward Amine Gouiri, who missed the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury, have also earned spots in the final selection.
Bentaleb was part of Algeria’s squad for their most recent World Cup appearance in Brazil in 2014. “We know Bentaleb well; he has all the qualities as a person for the group too,” Petkovic commented on the midfielder’s recall. “He has shown he’s in form these last few months.”
Squad Overview and Group Stage Draw
Algeria has been drawn into Group J of the World Cup, where they will face strong competition from reigning champions Argentina, as well as Austria and Jordan.
The full squad list includes:
Goalkeepers: Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Melvin Masstil (Stade Nyonnaise), Luca Zidane (Granada)
Defenders: Achraf Abada (USM Alger), Rayan Ait-Nouri (Manchester City), Zinedine Belaid (JS Kabylie), Rafik Belghali (Verona), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), Samir Chergui (Paris FC), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys Bern), Aissa Mandi (Lille), Mohamed Amine Tougai (Esperance)
Midfielders: Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Yassine Titraoui (Charleroi), Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente)
Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura (Wolfsburg), Nadir Benbouali (Győri ETO), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail), Fares Ghedjemis (Frosinone), Amine Gouiri (Marseille), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord)
Implications for Algeria’s World Cup Campaign
The inclusion of Luca Zidane brings a unique narrative to Algeria’s World Cup campaign, linking the current squad to one of football’s most revered families. His performance, especially after recovering from injury, will be closely watched.
The blend of experienced players like Mahrez and Bentaleb with emerging talents suggests a squad aiming to make a significant impact. Algeria’s performance in Group J will be a key indicator of their progress under coach Petkovic.
The team’s ability to integrate new and returning players, alongside managing any lingering injuries, will be crucial as they prepare to face formidable opponents on the world stage. The coming weeks will reveal how this diverse squad coalesces under pressure.
Leave a Reply