Olympique de Marseille defender Kenzo Brignone has received his first international call-up after being selected by Algeria Under-17 head coach Amine Ghimouz for the team’s pre-World Cup training camp.
The 16-year-old is one of two Marseille academy players included in Algeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, alongside goalkeeper Ivan Guemdani.
Brignone joined Marseille this summer from Nice and has quickly established himself at the club, featuring above his age group in the French Under-19 Championship.
Born in November 2009, the central defender has started all three of Marseille’s matches in the competition this season. He is regarded as a promising prospect, with his physical strength, ability in one-on-one situations and composure when playing out from defence among his key attributes.
His selection represents a significant step in his development and gives Algeria an opportunity to bring the youngster into their international setup at an early stage of his career.
Brignone remains eligible to represent France and has yet to feature for any of the country’s youth national teams. His Algeria call-up could therefore become an important development in determining his international future, although he would still have decisions to make regarding his senior allegiance later in his career.
For now, Brignone will join Algeria’s squad for a friendly tournament in Croatia during the next international window.
The Fennecs are scheduled to face Saudi Arabia on 26 September before meeting Croatia three days later. They will then play Hungary and Qatar on 2 and 5 October respectively.
The tournament forms part of Algeria’s preparations for the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in November.
Algeria have been drawn in Group J alongside the United States, Montenegro and Chile as they prepare for only their second appearance at the global tournament. Their previous participation came in 2009.
Brignone’s inclusion also means Marseille will have two academy representatives in Algeria’s pre-World Cup group. Guemdani, also 16, earned his opportunity with the national setup after being called up at the end of March.
For Brignone, however, the latest selection represents his first taste of international football and an opportunity to strengthen his credentials as one of Marseille’s emerging young defenders.
