Algeria national football team coach Vladimir Petkovic is reportedly close to finalising his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with only a small number of positions still under consideration ahead of the official submission deadline.
The “Greens” are preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup after previously competing in Spain in 1982, Mexico in 1986, South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014. Algeria missed the last two editions in Russia and Qatar, making the upcoming tournament a highly anticipated return to football’s biggest stage.
The draw for the 2026 tournament placed Algeria in Group 10 alongside defending world champions Argentina national football team, Jordan national football team and Austria national football team.
According to a source cited by WinWin, Petkovic has already settled the majority of his squad decisions following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the March training camp and recent evaluations concerning fitness and injuries. The Swiss coach is expected to submit a final list containing 26 players before Algeria’s friendly match against the Netherlands on 3 June, which serves as the final deadline for squad registration.
In goal, Petkovic has reportedly settled on three names. Luca Zidane, currently with Granada CF, is expected to be included after receiving medical clearance following recent surgery. He is likely to be joined by Melvin Mastel of Stade Nyonnais and Oussama Benbot of USM Alger. The report added that disciplinary concerns surrounding Benbot have now been resolved.
Defensively, Petkovic is expected to rely heavily on established options who have featured regularly during his tenure. The likely defensive selections include Rafik Belghali, Mehdi Dorval, Jaouen Hadjam, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Ramy Bensebaini, Aissa Mandi, Zinedine Belaid and Achraf Abada.
The main uncertainty in defence reportedly centred on Samir Chergui, who had been among Petkovic’s preferred choices. However, injury concerns and a lengthy absence appear to have opened the door for Abada, whose recent performances have strengthened his case.
Competition is believed to be strongest in midfield and attack, where Algeria possess several high-profile options.
Midfield selections are expected to include Nabil Bentaleb following his return to form with Lille OSC, alongside Hicham Boudaoui, Ramiz Zerrouki, Farès Chaïbi and Ibrahim Maza. The report also suggested that Yassine Titraoui and Adil Aouchiche are currently ahead of both Ismaël Bennacer and Houssem Aouar.
Petkovic is reportedly concerned about Bennacer’s fitness problems and Aouar’s recent decline in form, factors which could influence the final midfield selections.
In attack, Algeria are expected to rely on captain Riyad Mahrez alongside Anis Hadj Moussa, Adel Boulbina, Mohamed Amine Amoura and Amine Gouiri.
The report added that Petkovic is leaning towards recalling veteran striker Baghdad Bounedjah ahead of Nadir Benbouali, while Fares Ghezimes could emerge as a surprise inclusion ahead of Ilan Kebbal.
One remaining squad place is still undecided, with Petkovic reportedly weighing several possibilities, including the option of selecting an additional goalkeeper, defender, midfielder or striker before confirming his final World Cup squad.
