Algeria name final 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 as Petkovic blends youth and experience

Petkovic has confirmed his definitive selection for the tournament in the United States, blending established stars with emerging names while leaving out some regulars.

He named his official 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Sunday, May 31.

The shape of Algeria’s World Cup squad had already become clearer over recent days as players gradually reported to the national technical centre in Sidi Moussa.

One of the standout inclusions is Luca Zidane, who is set to experience his first FIFA World Cup. The goalkeeper, who impressed as Algeria’s first-choice shot-stopper during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, has been rewarded with a place in Petkovic’s final squad.

Five players from France’s top flight have made the cut: Aïssa Mandi, Nabil Bentaleb, Amine Gouiri, Hicham Boudaoui and Samir Chergui.

Captain Riyad Mahrez also retains his place at the age of 35, adding another World Cup appearance to the experience he first gained in the 2014 edition.

Several established names, however, have been omitted. Midfielder Ismaël Bennacer was left out despite publicly expressing his frustration over the decision, while striker Baghdad Bounedjah and attacking midfielder Ilan Kebbal also miss out.

Algeria’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers:
Luca Zidane, Oussama Benbot, Melvin Mastil

Defenders:
Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Mohamed Amine Tougai, Zinnedine Belaid, Achraf Abada, Samir Chergui, Jaouen Hadjam, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rafik Belghali

Midfielders:
Hicham Boudaoui, Ramiz Zerrouki, Nabil Bentaleb, Yacine Titraoui, Farès Chaïbi, Ibrahim Maza, Houssem Aouar

Forwards:
Farès Ghedjemis, Nadir Benbouali, Amine Gouiri, Adil Boulbina, Anis Hadj Moussa, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura