Algeria announce final squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Riyad Mahrez
Ismaël Bennacer has not been called up to the squad.
The final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been formally released by the Algerian national team. The unexpected exclusion of midfielder Ismaël Bennacer from the team is the primary topic of discussion.
Fans and commentators alike are shocked by the coaching staff’s decision. The midfield player was considered one of the most important players for the national team in recent years. In the meantime, the majority of Algeria’s top athletes have travelled to the international arena.
Team captain Riyad Mahrez, attacking midfielder Houssem Aouar, veteran midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, defender Ramy Bensebaini, and many other standout players make up the roster.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic revealed that midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has been called up to the Algerian national team for the forthcoming World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Bentaleb, who hasn’t played in almost a year, is making a comeback.
The 31-year-old Bentaleb was a member of the 2014 World Cup squad that advanced past the group stage. But he hasn’t been a reliable team player because of his extended absences. Petkovic said he was confident in Bentaleb’s ability both on and off the pitch.
Before facing Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in a challenging Group J, Algeria will warm up against the Netherlands in an attempt to improve on their recent results.
Also read: Uruguay announce final squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Federico Valverde
Algeria FIFA World Cup 2026 final squad
Goalkeepers: Luca Zidane, Osama Benbot, Melvin Mastil, Abdel Latif Ramadan.
Defenders: Rafiq Belkhali, Samir Cherki, Rayan Ait Nouri, Jawin Haj Jam, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Zinedine Belaid, Ashraf Abada, and Mohamed Amine Tougai.
Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Houssem Aouar, Farès Chaïbi, Ibrahim Maze, Yacine Titraoui, Ramiz Zerrouki.
Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura, Nadhir Ben Bouali, Adel Boulbina, Faris Jadjames, Amine Gouiri, Anis Haj Moussa, Riyad Mahrez.
Which group are Algeria in?
They are in Group J.
When is their first game?
It’s on 17th June, 6:30 am IST against Argentina.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.