Riyad Mahrez captains Algeria at FIFA World Cup 2026
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic has announced his 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic is leading Algeria into this summer with an impressive and experienced core with Riyad Mahrez the captain as the North Africans return to the tournament for the first time since FIFA World Cup 2014.
The Al Hilal winger is joined by a collection of other exciting attackers, such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura and Amine Gouiri, of Olympique de Marseille.
The Desert Warriors, as they are nicknamed, have some real technical talent throughout their squad, too, with former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Houssem Aouar a part of an impressive midfield that also consists of Nabil Bentaleb, Ramiz Zerrouki and Hicham Boudaoui.
Their experience extends to the defence, too, with Lille centre-back Aissa Mandi likely set to partner the versatile Ramy Bensebaini, while Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri will be a key presence down the flank.
The goalkeeping position is perhaps Algeria’s weakest position but they did get a new so-called ‘number one’ with Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine, switching his international allegiance from France to Algeria ahead of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Petkovic’s squad does consist of 27 players with four goalkeepers but one of those, likely Abdelatif Ramdane.
Schalke attacking midfielder Adil Aouchiche has missed out on the squad alongside the experienced midfield duo of Ismael Bennacer and Himad Abdelli. Experienced attackers Baghdad Bounedjah, Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi have all also missed out, while former West Ham United man Said Benrahma has also been omitted.
