Rafik Belghali’s emergence as one of Algeria’s few standout performers at the 2026 World Cup has triggered a dramatic 71% rise in his market value and intensified interest from clubs including Inter Milan and Roma.
The Hellas Verona right-back was one of the rare bright spots in a disappointing campaign for the Fennecs, whose return to the World Cup stage, 12 years after their previous appearance, ended with an underwhelming showing and elimination by Switzerland in the last 16.
Handed a starting role by head coach Vladimir Petkovic, Belghali seized an opportunity many others had long been waiting for in his position. With Algeria struggling to replace Youcef Atal amid the Nice defender’s ongoing difficulties, the 22-year-old beat off competition from Samir Chergui and Achref Abada to secure the right-back berth, while Mohamed Farsi and Kevin Guitoun were not selected in the squad for the tournament.
On a stage where Algeria failed to meet expectations, Belghali distinguished himself with energetic, front-foot displays. He was particularly influential against Austria, delivering an assist and repeatedly stretching the opposition with his forward runs, and was again among the better performers as Algeria went out to Switzerland in the first knockout round.
His pace, aggressive pressing, willingness to carry the ball and high work-rate caught the eye of scouts who had already been tracking him in Serie A. Rather than revealing him to recruiters, the World Cup confirmed and amplified the impression he had made in Italy over the past season.
Inter and Roma interest grows
Belghali’s form has fed directly into his valuation on the transfer market. According to the latest assessment from Transfermarkt, his estimated market value now stands at €12m, up from €7m before the World Cup – a rise of 71% that underlines his change of status.
Inter Milan, the reigning Serie A champions, are among the clubs closely monitoring his situation. They are understood to see Belghali as a credible option to replace Denzel Dumfries, who joined Real Madrid this summer.
Roma are also reported to be admirers of his offensive qualities and his suitability for a wing-back role in a three-man defence. The Giallorossi had already opened talks with Hellas Verona on a possible deal in the build-up to the World Cup, viewing him as a player capable of providing thrust on the flanks in their tactical set-up.
New face of Algeria’s next cycle
Belghali’s international rise comes at a time of transition for Algeria. With Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi both having recently announced their retirement from international football, the right-back is being tipped as one of the potential standard-bearers of a new era for the national team.
Having now established himself with the Fennecs and enhanced his reputation on the global stage, the defender seems poised for the next step in his club career as well.
His trajectory also reflects well on Petkovic, whose decision to call up and trust a player who, only 18 months ago, was still unsure whether to represent Belgium or Algeria has been emphatically vindicated.
In selecting Belghali and promoting him to a key role in his World Cup line-up, the Algeria coach, as the article’s author notes, “a, pour le coup, eu le nez creux…” – he showed a particularly sharp sense of judgement.
