Algeria: Yacine Adli reportedly included in Brahim Hemdani’s squad plans

Yacine Adli has reportedly been included in Brahim Hemdani’s provisional Algeria squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Togo, despite the midfielder previously being rejected by both the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and supporters.

According to El Heddaf TV, the 26-year-old Al-Shabab player is in Hemdani’s extended selection for Algeria’s next two matches: against Togo in Tizi-Ouzou on 14 November and in Lome on 17 November. The fixtures are the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for CAN 2027.

The report has not been confirmed and has been treated cautiously, but it has already prompted strong criticism of the Algeria manager. Football specialist Farid Boussalem was among those to react, posting a highly critical message on social media.

Adli’s relationship with the Algerian fanbase deteriorated in March 2024. The midfielder was attracting attention with AC Milan at the time and had been courted by Algeria, but instead chose to represent France.

He had already played for France at every youth level from under-16 to under-20 and explained his decision by saying he wanted to “play at the highest level”.

That choice was particularly unpopular with Algeria supporters, who felt their national team had been played down, or even disparaged. They strongly opposed the possibility of the former Paris Saint-Germain academy player later changing his international allegiance, while Adli also ruled out such a move.

A year later, however, his circumstances had changed. Adli left Lombardy permanently for Saudi Arabia after an unsuccessful loan spell at Fiorentina, while Didier Deschamps, France’s manager at the time, did not select him.

Last May, one month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Adli unexpectedly apologised and said he would be willing to join Algeria if Vladimir Petkovic, who was then in charge of the coaching staff, called him up.

That offer appeared to produce no response. According to reports at the time, the FAF rejected the possibility, while supporters no longer wanted the player to be considered for the national team.

The episode appeared to have ended Adli’s international prospects with Algeria. The latest report, if accurate, would represent a significant change in the federation’s position and suggest the player may have been forgiven.

There is still no certainty that Adli will make Hemdani’s final squad. However, if the reported selection is confirmed, the FAF would face the task of calming supporters who have previously made their opposition to the midfielder clear.