Algeria could recall six World Cup 2026 players for Togo qualifiers

Six players associated with Algeria’s 2026 World Cup campaign could return to the squad when coach Brahim Hemdani names his latest selection.

Hemdani is expected to make several changes to the group chosen for the previous international break, with Algeria due to face Togo on 14 and 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Among the possible recalls are four World Cup 2026 players left out of Hemdani’s first squad at the coach’s own discretion: Nabil Bentaleb, Yacine Titraoui, Hicham Boudaoui and Nadhir Benbouali.

Bentaleb’s leadership is understood to remain highly valued. Nadhir Benbouali, the Pyramids centre-forward, is reportedly the favourite to lead the attack ahead of Baghdad Bounedjah, despite Bounedjah’s strong performances for Al-Shamal.

Only a few days ago, the expectation had been that the experienced Bounedjah would return to the squad. He was not selected by former coach Vladimir Petkovic for the World Cup.

Suspended players available again

Rafik Belghali and Luca Zidane have completed their suspensions and are eligible for selection once more. Belghali’s involvement is less certain, however, as he is due to undergo further examinations after going off injured during Torino’s match at the weekend.

Zidane had been a concern for the coaching staff because of his performances for Leganes. He is now expected to move ahead of Ryan Yesli in the goalkeeping pecking order, while Melvin Mastil and Abdellatif Ramdane are expected to keep their places.

Further recalls, as well as possible first-time selections, have not been ruled out. The names being considered include Ramiz Zerrouki, another member of the World Cup group, along with Ismael Bennacer, Akim Zedadka, Chouaib Boulkaboul, Rayan Aqacem, Kelyann Bezahaf, Mohamed Azzi, Rafik Messali and Fahem Benaissa-Yahia.

Zineddine Belaid, Ilan Kebbal, Adil Aouchiche and Monsef Bakrar are all under pressure to retain their places.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is also very likely to be omitted after refusing to apologise for his behaviour towards Hemdani.

Yacine Adli is expected to remain out of favour despite apologising for comments considered offensive towards Algeria. Yanis Massolin, meanwhile, cannot be selected because of an administrative issue.

The changes come as Algeria prepare for two matches against Togo that could shape their progress in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.