The Algerian national team have opened their main training camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid growing discussion over the absence of several key players, including captain Riyad Mahrez.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic began preparations with the squad on Monday, 25 May, at the National Teams Preparation Centre in Sidi Moussa as Algeria continue finalising plans for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Algeria are preparing for their fifth World Cup appearance after previously competing in 1982, 1986, 2010 and 2014. The “Desert Warriors” missed the last two editions in Russia and Qatar, increasing anticipation among supporters ahead of their return to football’s biggest stage.
The team were drawn in Group 10 alongside reigning world champions Argentina national football team, Jordan and Austria.
Algeria are scheduled to open their campaign against Argentina on 17 June before facing Jordan on 23 June and Austria on 28 June.
Six Players Absent from Opening of Camp
According to a source cited by Winwin, six players were absent from the opening days of the camp, although the absences were reportedly approved by Petkovic and comply with regulations established by FIFA.
The absent players are Mahrez, Houssem Aouar, Rafik Belghali, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Mohamed Amine Amoura and Hicham Boudaoui.
The same report stated that all six players are expected to join the training camp gradually before Thursday, 28 May.
FIFA had reportedly designated 25 May as the official deadline for international players to report to national team camps before the World Cup, while also allowing certain organisational flexibilities depending on player schedules and club commitments.
The regulations prevented players from participating in official club matches after 24 May unless agreements were reached between clubs and national federations.
Club Commitments and Rest Periods
The Algerian Football Federation reportedly allowed Amoura to participate in Wolfsburg’s Bundesliga relegation play-off second leg against Paderborn on 25 May.
Wolfsburg were relegated after losing 2-1 following a goalless draw in the first leg.
Meanwhile, the federation maintained its earlier decision not to permit Boudaoui to feature in Nice’s relegation play-off matches against Saint-Étienne, with the two fixtures scheduled for 26 and 29 May.
The report added that FIFA regulations also grant players a compulsory seven-day rest period after the conclusion of their club seasons.
That rule applies both to players whose campaigns ended early and those who finished their commitments later than others.
According to the source, the delayed arrival of the six Algerian internationals is therefore considered fully justified under FIFA rules.
Belghali, for example, reportedly played his final club match for Hellas Verona against Roma on 24 May, while Ait-Nouri featured in Manchester City’s match against Aston Villa on the same date.
Amoura only completed his final club fixture on Monday, while Boudaoui’s situation remained linked to Nice’s ongoing play-off schedule.
Mahrez and Aouar Cases Explained
The circumstances surrounding Mahrez and Aouar attracted particular attention because both players officially completed their seasons earlier.
Mahrez’s club campaign with Al-Ahli Saudi FC reportedly ended on 20 May, while Aouar completed his commitments with Al-Ittihad Club one day later.
However, neither player featured in their clubs’ final league matches.
Mahrez was absent with permission from his club management and coaching staff, while Aouar reportedly missed his final match due to illness.
The source further explained that FIFA’s mandatory passive rest regulations mean players cannot be forced into immediate camp participation if they require recovery time after the season.
Players are still permitted to join camps voluntarily during that period, but they cannot be subjected to intensive physical demands.
Algeria’s coaching staff are now expected to welcome the remaining players over the coming days as preparations intensify ahead of the World Cup in North America.
