Ilan Kebbal has refused to criticise former Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic, despite being given limited opportunities under the Swiss-Bosnian coach and then being left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup in June-July.
The Paris FC attacking player made his Algeria debut under Petkovic on 14 October 2025 against Uganda. However, he went on to play only four times under the manager and was never named in the starting line-up.
Speaking in an interview with influencer Just Riadh, the 28-year-old did not strongly challenge Petkovic’s decisions. Instead, Kebbal suggested that the players also needed to accept some responsibility for the situation.
“We have our responsibility,” was the message attributed to the Marseille-born player, who indicated that the squad could not be considered entirely blameless.
Kebbal also spoke positively about representing Algeria, making clear his attachment to the national team before discussing the difference between playing for his club and appearing for the Fennecs.
He identified Ibrahim Maza and Rayan Ait-Nouri as the Algeria players who impress him most. Kebbal also highlighted Anis Hadj Moussa and Bachir Belloumi when discussing the individuals who have caught his eye within the national set-up.
His own role with the team changed during the most recent international break, when he was recalled by Brahim Hemdani. It was the first squad selected by the former defensive midfielder.
Kebbal was handed his first start for Algeria in a friendly against Niger on 6 October. He played 61 minutes in the 2-1 victory.
That appearance, however, may not be enough to secure his place in the next squad. According to journalist Samir Kaabouche, Kebbal’s selection is not guaranteed for Algeria’s two matches against Togo on 14 and 17 November.
The fixtures will be the third and fourth rounds of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
