Algeria’s Aïssa Mandi targets World Cup spot while focusing on Lille duties

Algeria international Aïssa Mandi has set his sights on a place in his national team’s squad for the next World Cup, while maintaining his focus on finishing the season strongly with LOSC Lille.

As the campaign approaches its conclusion, the defender has acknowledged that thoughts of international competition are becoming more prominent, even as he continues to prioritise his responsibilities at club level.

With Algeria aiming to compete on the global stage in 2026, Mandi has made clear his desire to be part of that journey.

“Of course, you think about it more and more. The closer the end of the season gets, the more you think about it. That’s how it is, it’s human nature, but very honestly, I still have a lot to accomplish at the end of this season.

Especially with LOSC, where we have to aim to achieve our objective. I hope to be part of this squad to go to the World Cup.”

Mandi’s contract with Lille is due to expire on June 30, but the 33-year-old indicated that discussions over his future are not currently a priority.

Instead, he is taking a measured approach, choosing to focus on immediate sporting objectives before addressing contractual matters.

“Quite honestly, it’s not my priority. A lot of things can happen. I can’t tell you because there haven’t been many discussions about it, either personally or even with the club. But it will happen in due time.”

The defender has also played down his nomination for the Marc-Vivien Foé Award, which recognises the best African player in France’s top division.

While his performances have earned him a place among the finalists, Mandi has expressed a clear preference for collective success over individual recognition.

“It’s not something that interests me, until proven otherwise, football is a team sport, so rewarding an individual person, I’ve never understood it.”

He further emphasised the importance of team contribution in individual achievements.

“I think that if someone is in good form, or if someone has a good season, it’s largely thanks to the team. I’ve always defined myself as someone who can only be good thanks to the team.

That’s how I see things anyway. After that, if there are others who want to give individual awards, that’s their prerogative.”

Despite Mandi’s modest stance, Lille head coach Bruno Genesio has praised the defender’s impact throughout the season, describing his nomination as justified recognition of his performances.

“It’s a well-deserved reward. He’s having an exemplary season with us, and with his national team as well. I think it’s deserved.”

Genesio also highlighted Mandi’s growing influence within the squad, pointing to both his technical qualities and leadership on and off the pitch.

“He’s an important part of our team. He hasn’t always been a starter here, but he’s always persevered. And for some time now, if not since the start of the season, he’s taken on an important role in our team, both in terms of his play, with his quality of distribution, his reading of the game, his tactical intelligence, but also in terms of his leadership.”

With the season nearing its end, Mandi remains focused on helping Lille achieve their objectives, while quietly holding onto his ambition of representing Algeria on football’s biggest stage.