World Cup 2026: Vladimir Petkovic leaves two Algeria players without minutes in warm-ups

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has handed no playing time to Farès Ghedjemis and Yacine Titraoui during the team’s final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving both players facing an uncertain role ahead of the tournament.

The pair remained unused throughout Algeria’s two warm-up victories against the Netherlands and Bolivia, despite being included in the final 26-man squad selected for the World Cup.

Their absence from the pitch stands out as the Fennecs complete preparations for their opening match against Argentina.

While defender Ramy Bensebaïni also did not feature during the preparation matches, his situation differs due to ongoing ankle issues that have affected him in recent weeks. Ghedjemis and Titraoui, by contrast, were available for selection but remained on the bench throughout both encounters.

As a result, they are the only fully fit players in Petkovic’s World Cup squad who have not been given any minutes in Algeria’s final pre-tournament fixtures.

For Ghedjemis, the situation reflects the intense competition for places in Algeria’s attacking department. The winger made a memorable start to his international career after scoring on his debut against Guatemala during the previous international window. However, breaking into the starting line-up has proved difficult.

The player finds himself competing with experienced captain Riyad Mahrez and Anis Hadj Moussa, two attacking options who currently enjoy strong confidence from the coaching staff.

Similar challenges were previously encountered by other players attempting to establish themselves in the same position.

Titraoui’s circumstances are comparable. The midfielder has continued to progress at Belgian club Charleroi and delivered encouraging performances during earlier international appearances. Nevertheless, he remains behind several established options in Algeria’s midfield hierarchy.

Competition for central midfield places is particularly strong, with Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Farès Chaïbi and Ramiz Zerrouki all ahead of him in the current pecking order.

Despite their lack of involvement during the warm-up phase, both players remain part of Algeria’s plans for the World Cup and could yet be called upon during the tournament.

Squad depth is often tested over the course of a major competition, and opportunities can emerge unexpectedly.

With Algeria preparing for a challenging Group campaign that begins against Argentina, attention will now turn to whether Ghedjemis and Titraoui can force their way into Petkovic’s thinking or whether they will continue to occupy supporting roles as the tournament unfolds.