Ramy Benkhiat opts for Algeria ahead of U17 World Cup in Qatar

Algeria have added former France Under-16 international Ramy Benkhiat to their preparations for the U17 World Cup, which takes place in Qatar from 19 November to 13 December.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who plays for Ligue 1 club OGC Nice, has been included in Amine Ghimouz’s squad for the next Algeria Under-17 training camp. Benkhiat was born on 28 January 2009 and previously represented France at youth level before deciding to join the Fennecs.

Benkhiat is known for his ability to move forward from midfield and has made an impression with his attacking contribution for Nice’s youth teams.

During the 2025-2026 season, he played 17 matches in the U17 National championship, starting 16 of them. He scored six goals and supplied three assists, while also making his first appearances for OGC Nice’s Under-19 side.

The young midfielder opened the scoring against Lyon-La Duchere in September 2025, an achievement highlighted by his club. A few weeks later, he scored again during the match against Saint-Priest.

His performances had already earned him international recognition. In August 2024, OGC Nice announced that he had been called up by France Under-16s.

Benkhiat’s decision gives Algeria another option during the final stages of their preparations for the tournament. His inclusion comes after the young Fennecs secured their place at the World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Since then, Algeria have continued their preparations through several training camps and international fixtures, including a tournament in Croatia.

Benkhiat is one of 23 players selected for the camp running from 23 October to 1 November. The squad includes players based in Algeria alongside youngsters developing abroad.

Paradou AC, USM Alger and ASO Chlef are among the local clubs represented. The overseas-based players include Bilal Daaou of Eintracht Francfort, Rayane Wassim Zidane of Bayer Leverkusen, Haroun Seriket and Melwane Zaidi of FC Basel, and Ilyes Mekkaoui of FC Volendam.

The new Algeria international brings experience of the French U17 National championship and an attacking quality that could strengthen Ghimouz’s options. However, his inclusion in the final squad for the tournament in Qatar has yet to be confirmed.