The head coach of the Algerian national team, Vladimir Petkovic, has officially announced the final squad for the 2026 World Cup, delivering two major shocks that have sent ripples through the North African football community. Despite high expectations, the Swiss coach decided to omit veteran striker Baghdad Bounedjah and midfield anchor Ismaël Bennacer, opting instead for a blend of youth and technical discipline.
The exclusion of Bounedjah is perhaps the most debated decision. Despite a prolific season in the Qatari league and holding the record as the second-highest scorer for the current generation of “Desert Warriors,” Petkovic chose to look elsewhere for offensive options. Meanwhile, the absence of Ismaël Bennacer—now playing for Dinamo Zagreb—was justified by the coaching staff due to concerns over his physical fitness. Petkovic reportedly believes that the former AC Milan star has struggled to regain his peak form following a series of grueling injuries over the past two years.
These decisions have triggered a wave of criticism from Algerian fans and pundits alike, who argue that the duo’s international experience is irreplaceable on a stage as grand as the World Cup. However, Petkovic remains firm in his vision, entrusting the leadership of the attack to captain Riyad Mahrez, supported by rising talents such as Mohamed Amoura, Adil Boulbina, and Anis Hadj Moussa.
Algeria finds itself in a challenging Group Stage alongside the reigning world champions, Argentina, a promising Austria side, and a highly anticipated Arab derby against Jordan. The pressure is now on Petkovic to prove that his tactical gamble will pay off as Algeria seeks to replicate its historic performances on the world stage.
Algeria’s 2026 World Cup Squad
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Goalkeepers: Luca Zidane, Melvin Mastil, Oussama Benbot (Abdellatif Ramdane).
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Defense: Rafik Belghali, Samir Chergui, Jaouen Hadjam, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Ramy Bensebaini, Aïssa Mandi, Zineddine Belaïd, Achraf Abada, Mohamed Amine Tougaï.
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Midfield: Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Ramiz Zerrouki, Houssem Aouar, Yacine Titraoui, Farès Chaïbi, Ibrahim Maza.
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Attack: Riyad Mahrez, Anis Hadj Moussa, Farès Ghedjemis, Adil Boulbina, Mohamed Amine Amoura, Amine Gouiri, Nadir Benbouali.
