Algeria dismisses rumours over Anis Hadj Moussa ahead of 2026 World Cup squad announcement

Algeria have moved to dispel speculation surrounding Anis Hadj Moussa’s fitness after reports circulating on social media suggested the winger was injured and could miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The rumours emerged just days before head coach Vladimir Petkovic is due to announce his final squad for the tournament, prompting concern among supporters following claims that the Feyenoord player was facing a fitness setback.

The speculation gained traction after several online pages shared information alleging that Hadj Moussa had suffered an injury serious enough to threaten his participation in the World Cup.

Some of the posts went even further by circulating what appeared to be an official statement attributed to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), giving the impression that the organisation had confirmed the player’s withdrawal.

The claims quickly spread across social media platforms and generated widespread discussion among supporters eager for updates ahead of the final squad announcement.

However, the reports have now been firmly rejected.

According to information obtained by La Gazette du Fennec, a source close to the matter confirmed that the claims were entirely false and that no such injury currently affects the player.

The source also indicated that the statement being shared online was not a recent communication from the federation.

Instead, it was reportedly a statement originally issued in March when Hadj Moussa withdrew from a national team training camp because of an injury at that time.

The reuse of that earlier statement appears to have created confusion and led some supporters to believe a new fitness problem had emerged.

As concern spread, attention turned to Algeria’s training camp and the player’s condition ahead of the World Cup preparations.

Any uncertainty surrounding Hadj Moussa naturally attracted interest given the importance of the winger to Algeria’s plans and the timing of the reports.

With Petkovic preparing to reveal his final squad, speculation over the availability of key players has become a major topic of discussion among supporters and observers.

The rumours were ultimately undermined by evidence from the team’s latest training session.

Images released from training at the Sidi Moussa National Technical Centre showed Hadj Moussa participating normally alongside his teammates.

The winger appeared to be training without any visible signs of physical discomfort or limitation.

His presence during the session provided a strong indication that he remains fully involved in preparations and available for selection.

The footage quickly helped calm fears that had developed following the spread of the false reports.

For Algeria, the clarification comes at an important moment as preparations for the World Cup enter their final phase.

Petkovic’s squad is now close to being complete as the team continues its work ahead of the tournament.

Most members of the group have already joined the national team camp, allowing the coaching staff to focus on tactical preparations and team cohesion.

Only one player remains expected to arrive.

Midfielder Hicham Boudaoui is scheduled to join the squad on Saturday at the Sidi Moussa National Technical Centre, completing the group ahead of the next stage of preparations.

Supporters will also have an opportunity to see the team before its departure.

A public training session has been scheduled for Saturday, giving fans a final chance to watch the Fennecs before they travel abroad.

The session is expected to attract significant interest as anticipation builds ahead of the World Cup and Petkovic’s final squad announcement.

Following their preparations in Algeria, the national team will head to Rotterdam for a friendly match against the Netherlands.

The fixture is expected to provide an important test as Algeria continue to refine their plans before the tournament begins.

For now, however, the main talking point has shifted away from speculation and back to football.

The reports linking Hadj Moussa with a fresh injury have been dismissed, and the winger remains involved in training with the rest of the squad.

With the World Cup approaching and the final list imminent, Algeria have received a timely boost as one of the rumours surrounding the camp has been put to rest.