Algeria await Petković’s final World Cup squad announcement

Algeria’s final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will enter a decisive phase on Saturday as head coach Vladimir Petković prepares to unveil his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States.

While squad announcements are often among the most anticipated moments for supporters, much of the mystery surrounding Algeria’s selection has already faded, with the majority of players expected to travel to the World Cup widely known before the official confirmation.

The final areas of uncertainty appear to concern the goalkeeping department and, potentially, one place in defence. Petković is due to reveal his squad during a press conference scheduled for 3:00 pm at the Mohamed Sellah conference room inside the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki.

Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the coach selected a larger travelling party, Algeria will submit a 26-player squad for the World Cup.

That requirement could force adjustments to the balance of the group and influence the final decisions regarding several positions.

One of the biggest questions revolves around the number of goalkeepers included in the delegation. At the National Technical Centre in Sidi Moussa, goalkeepers Luca Zidane, Oussama Benbot, Abdellatif Ramdane and Kilian Belazzoug are all part of the current group and remain in contention for selection.

Should Petković decide to travel with four goalkeepers rather than three, it would likely reduce the number of players available in another area of the squad, particularly in defence.

Reports from the training camp suggest nine defenders are currently expected to be involved in preparations for the upcoming matches in the Netherlands and the United States.

Those players include Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaïni, Mohamed Amine Tougaï, Zinedine Belaïd, Achraf Abada, Samir Chergui, Jaouen Hadjam, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rafik Belghali.

The midfield and attacking units appear more settled. Midfield options are expected to include Hicham Boudaoui, Ramiz Zerrouki, Nabil Bentaleb, Yacine Titraoui, Farès Chaïbi, Houssem Aouar and Ibrahim Maza.

In attack, the expected names include captain Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura, Amine Gouiri, Adil Boulbina, Anis Hadj Moussa, Islam Benbouali and Kevin Guitoun Ghedjemis.

As attention focuses on the final squad announcement, preparations at Sidi Moussa continue at full intensity.

According to the Algerian Football Federation, players have been working through physical, technical and tactical sessions designed to increase fitness levels and reinforce the team’s collective principles.

The federation also highlighted the atmosphere within the camp, describing training as taking place in “an excellent atmosphere, with a great deal of commitment and concentration, demonstrating everyone’s determination to best prepare for the upcoming World Cup.”

With Algeria set to begin their World Cup campaign against Argentina, anticipation is building as Petković prepares to confirm the players who will represent the nation on football’s biggest stage.