Algeria to consider Europe-based players for upcoming FIFA Arab Cup squad

Algeria’s national A’ team plans to widen its talent pool for the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup, with players competing in Europe now firmly in the selection frame as preparations intensify for the tournament starting on 1 December.

Unlike the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is limited exclusively to players based in domestic leagues, the Arab Cup permits all eligible Algerian players to participate, regardless of where they play.

This was the case in the 2021 edition, when several players from leagues in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia — including goalkeeper Raïs M’Bolhi and winger Youcef Belaïli — were included in the squad.

This time, the technical team, led by head coach Madjid Bougherra, intends to adopt an even broader approach.

Alongside locally based talents, the staff is looking to call up players active in the Middle East, such as Adil Boulbina from Saudi Arabia and Abderrahim Deghmoum from the Egyptian Premier League.

More significantly, Bougherra and his staff are also preparing to include Europe-based players for the first time in the A’ team setup.

Among the leading candidates are midfielder Houssem Mrezigue and defender Mohamed Azzi, both of whom represent Dynamo Makhachkala in Russia. Their availability is likely since the Russian Premier League will enter its winter break during the Arab Cup period.

The scouting list, however, extends beyond those two. Several other Europe-based players could be invited as early as October for assessment during Algeria’s planned double-header against Palestine.

However, the final decision may hinge on club cooperation, as the competition falls outside FIFA’s international window, meaning teams are under no obligation to release their players for national duty.

Two prominent names under consideration are veteran striker Islam Slimani, currently playing in Romania, and forward Nadhir Benbouali, who plies his trade in Hungary.

Both bring significant international experience and could strengthen Algeria’s attacking options if their clubs agree to their release. Rising talent Rayan Kolli is also among the players on the radar, underlining the coaching staff’s commitment to integrating a mix of youth and experience into the squad.

While the inclusion of foreign-based players is set to increase competition for places, Bougherra is expected to retain the core group that formed the backbone of the team during the last CHAN. However, their roles may evolve, with some likely to feature more as rotational options rather than guaranteed starters.

The decision to expand the talent pool reflects Algeria’s ambition to field its strongest possible squad for the Arab Cup and compete for the title.

The integration of players from a variety of leagues — particularly those in Europe — also signals a strategic shift in how the A’ team is structured, moving closer to the approach taken by the senior national side in major international tournaments.

With the countdown to December underway, Bougherra and his technical team now face the task of finalising their player list while navigating potential club release challenges.

The next few weeks, especially the October friendlies against Palestine, will provide crucial insights into the composition of a squad determined to make a strong statement at the Arab Cup.