Algeria have included Luca Zidane in their squad for the 2026 World Cup, giving the goalkeeper his first appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
The 28 year old is the son of France great Zinedine Zidane. He was Algeria’s first choice goalkeeper during the Africa Cup of Nations but suffered a broken jaw and chin in April.
Luca represented France at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Algeria, the country of his grandparents.
His father remains one of the most famous names in World Cup history. Zinedine Zidane scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final as France beat Brazil to lift the trophy. He also scored in the 2006 final against Italy before being sent off.
Veteran forward Riyad Mahrez is also part of the squad. The 35 year old will play at another World Cup as one of the team’s most experienced players.
Head coach Vladimir Petkovic has recalled midfielder Nabil Bentaleb after a seven month absence from the national team. Houssem Aouar and Amine Gouiri have also returned after missing the Africa Cup of Nations through injury.
Bentaleb last played at the World Cup in 2014, which was Algeria’s most recent appearance at the tournament.
Petkovic said Bentaleb remains an important figure for the squad and has shown strong form in recent months.
Algeria have been drawn in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, Austria and Jordan.
Algeria World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Oussama Benbot, Melvin Masstil, Luca Zidane
Defenders: Achraf Abada, Rayan Ait Nouri, Zinedine Belaid, Rafik Belghali, Ramy Bensebaini, Samir Chergui, Jaouen Hadjam, Aissa Mandi, Mohamed Amine Tougai
Midfielders: Houssem Aouar, Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Fares Chaibi, Ibrahim Maza, Yassine Titraoui, Ramiz Zerrouki
Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura, Nadir Benbouali, Adil Boulbina, Fares Ghedjemis, Amine Gouiri, Riyad Mahrez, Anis Hadj Moussa
