Algeria name 14-player squad for FIFA U15 World Cup in Baku

Algeria will take part in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 24 to 30 October, with Karim Ziani selecting a 14-player squad made up entirely of footballers from Algerian clubs.

The young Fennecs have been drawn in Group B, where they will face Argentina, Suriname, Chinese Taipei, Malawi and Oman. Kick-off times are listed in Algerian time, although the schedule remains subject to change.

The squad is:

Goalkeepers: Oussama Salhi (ES Setif), Ilyes Bensenada (MC Alger).

Defenders: Tarek Khellaf (ES Ben Aknoun), Mohamed Amir Bentaleb (JS El Biar), Aissa Ait Chekhdidh (JS Kabylie), Bachir Imad Ben Kaid Ali (Paradou AC), Houdaifa Kerda (O Akbou).

Midfielders: Adem Noumeri (Paradou AC), Rafik Aliouche (Paradou AC), Mohamed Islem Laib (USM Annaba), Islem Bouchelaghem (Paradou AC).

Forwards: Youcef Anteur (S Khemis Miliana), Abdelkarim Meharzi (O Akbou), Ayoub Zoubidi (CR Belouizdad).

The limited squad size reflects the competition regulations and highlights the contribution of Paradou AC, one of Algeria’s leading youth-development clubs. Four of the 14 players come from the club, while no player based outside Algeria has been selected.

A second phase will take place from 28 to 30 October. Algeria’s opponents during that stage will depend on where they finish in their group.

Although the event is an official FIFA competition, its format is significantly different from the FIFA U-17 and FIFA U-20 World Cups. There was no qualifying tournament, and almost all FIFA member associations were invited to participate. The first men’s edition combines a World Cup with a development festival.

Matches will be played between teams of eight on pitches measuring 68 metres by 47 metres, using regulation-sized goals. Games will consist of two 20-minute halves. Throw-ins will be taken with the feet, while the offside rule will apply only from a line 14 metres from the goal.

Almost 1,000 matches are scheduled over six days. FIFA says each national team will play between eight and 10 matches.

Following the opening phase, the teams will be placed in six tiers, from A to F. No side will be eliminated; instead, each nation will continue against opponents in a comparable tier. The winner of tier A will officially be crowned world U15 champions.

Ziani joined Algeria’s national technical directorate in 2025 and initially worked with the U16 team before being promoted to lead the U17 B side. He has since organised detection camps, training gatherings and international matches to widen the country’s pool of young players.

A first camp for this U15 age group brought 31 players together at Sidi Moussa before the squad was reduced to 14.

The tournament will give Algeria an early opportunity to test its youngsters against a broad range of footballing styles. Argentina, Suriname, Chinese Taipei, Malawi and Oman will provide varied opposition as Ziani assesses players who could progress to the U17 team and Algeria’s other youth selections.