Algeria have been dealt a huge blow as the team gears up for the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The North African football heavyweights will compete in the expanded tournament, having secured automatic qualification from Africa’s nine slots.
But their World Cup participation has suffered a major setback, with the Al Sadd defender succumbing to a torn Achilles tendon, a serious injury that will sideline him for an extended period.
The 27-year-old full-back sustained the injury during a high-stakes encounter, the Qatari-Emirati Super Cup final against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, a match that had already drawn significant attention from fans in the region.
The injury is severe, and per medical reports, Atal will be unavailable for the World Cup, a devastating blow for Algeria as they prepare for the tournament in the North America.
Atal has been a key figure for both Al Sadd and the Algerian national team, known for his pace, attacking runs from the back, and defensive solidity. His absence leaves a considerable gap in Algeria’s defensive lineup.
Atal’s club career has been equally impressive, with the Algerian defender establishing himself as one of the most influential players in the Qatari Stars League since joining Al Sadd. The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate, as he was expected to play a pivotal role in both Al Sadd’s domestic ambitions and Algeria’s World Cup campaign.
Algeria will now need to revise its squad plans, with Atal’s absence creating a significant reshuffle in their defensive strategy.
This injury represents a significant setback not just for Atal personally, but also for both club and country, highlighting the unpredictability of football and the fine margins that can impact a player’s career at the highest level.
