Yacine Titraoui earns first Algeria call-up as Vladimir Petkovic rewards rising Royal Charleroi star

Yacine Titraoui has finally been handed his long-awaited debut call-up to Algeria’s senior national team, marking a breakthrough moment for the young Royal Charleroi SC midfielder under coach Vladimir Petkovic.

The announcement, made by the Algerian Football Federation on Thursday afternoon, was met with widespread approval from supporters who have long called for Titraoui’s inclusion.

The 21-year-old’s consistent performances in Belgium had made his omission from previous squads a subject of growing debate among fans and pundits alike.

Earlier in the day, a Belgian newspaper had provocatively headlined, “If Belmadi was still the coach, Titraoui would already have been selected,” taking a swipe at former national coach Djamel Belmadi, who had previously included the player only in extended provisional lists but never in the final squad.

The article suggested that, with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, Titraoui was again expected to miss out.

But shortly after 3 p.m., when Petkovic read out his 27-man list for Algeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia, the Charleroi playmaker’s name was indeed among them.

The decision instantly drew widespread praise, as fans celebrated what they viewed as long-overdue recognition for a player known for his technique, vision, and tactical intelligence.

Petkovic, however, struck a measured tone when addressing the media about the newcomer’s inclusion.

“Titraoui will have a lot to do in a position where there is already strong competition,”
the coach said, hinting that while the call-up rewarded the midfielder’s impressive form, it did not yet guarantee him a permanent place in the squad.

The coach and his technical team are reportedly eager to observe the player’s adaptability and attitude in training before deciding on his long-term role with the national side.

Meanwhile, the Belgian press has reignited speculation that Titraoui’s previous exclusions may have been influenced by internal football politics in Algeria.

The same newspaper referenced alleged tensions between FAF president Walid Sadi and former Paradou academy officials, suggesting that Titraoui may have been an unintended victim of off-field disputes — unlike his former teammate Adam Zorgane, whose early call-up coincided with his family’s historic ties to ES Sétif.

Regardless of the background noise, Titraoui’s focus will now shift to proving himself on the pitch.

With Algeria preparing for friendlies against Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on November 13 and 18, the midfielder has a prime opportunity to earn his first cap and showcase the qualities that have made him one of Charleroi’s most promising talents.

For Algerian supporters, his arrival in the senior setup is not just a long-awaited correction — it’s a statement of renewal for the next generation of the Greens.