Yacine Adli selection rumours denied ahead of Algeria’s Togo qualifiers

Yacine Adli is reportedly not included in Brahim Hemdani’s extended squad for Algeria’s next international camp, despite conflicting claims that the midfielder has been considered for the Fennecs.

Algeria are due to face Togo on 14 and 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. El Heddaf TV previously reported that Hemdani had preselected Adli for the two matches.

That claim caused a strong reaction among some Algerian football observers. The 26-year-old dual-national has been viewed as unwelcome by sections of the country’s support since he explained his original decision to represent France by saying he wanted to “play at the highest level”.

However, insider Samir Kaabouche has offered a different account of the situation. According to Kaabouche, Adli is neither part of Hemdani’s plans nor included in the manager’s extended list.

The same report says the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has not contacted the Al-Shabab midfielder and has taken no steps towards changing his sporting nationality. Although Adli has apologised, the federation is said to have kept the door closed.

There remains uncertainty over whether the player could feature for Algeria in the future. Journalist Khaled Mazouzi has backed El Heddaf TV’s version, claiming Adli was included in the 55-man extended list after changing his sporting nationality.

Mazouzi nevertheless says Adli’s chances of joining the Algeria squad in November are almost non-existent. That would indicate that the possibility of a call-up may remain open for the following international break.

The contradictory reports have led to suggestions that the FAF and the coaching staff may have been testing the reaction to a possible selection. Hemdani could have initially included the former Fiorentina player on his provisional list before withdrawing the decision in response to the hostility it generated.

For now, there is no confirmed indication that Adli will be involved in Algeria’s two matches against Togo. The disagreement between the reports has left his international future unresolved, despite the claims surrounding his sporting nationality and the alleged inclusion on the 55-player list.