2026 World Cup: Careful Algeria approach keeps Hicham Boudaoui out of Rotterdam friendly

Hicham Boudaoui will remain in Algiers and miss Algeria’s upcoming friendly against the Netherlands after the national team’s coaching and medical staff decided not to include him in the squad travelling to Rotterdam.

The midfielder has been rested as he continues his recovery process following a collision sustained during the play-off match against AS Saint-Étienne, with Algeria opting for a cautious approach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

His absence means he will not take part in one of Algeria’s most significant preparatory fixtures before the tournament, as Vladimir Petkovic’s side prepares to face the Netherlands in Rotterdam.

The decision follows developments during the team’s most recent training activities in Algiers.

Boudaoui was present at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki during the national team’s latest training session and appeared alongside his teammates in training gear.

However, despite being with the group, he did not take part in the collective exercises.

His absence from the session provided an early indication that the midfielder was still being carefully managed by the medical team.

The player remains under concussion protocol after suffering a collision during the play-off encounter against AS Saint-Étienne.

While he continues to recover, medical assessments determined that he was not yet ready to resume competitive action.

As a result, the coaching staff and medical department jointly concluded that the best course of action would be to leave him out of the trip to the Netherlands.

The decision reflects the priority being placed on the player’s health at a crucial stage of Algeria’s preparations for the World Cup.

Rather than accelerate his return, those responsible for managing his recovery have chosen to proceed gradually.

The aim is to reduce the possibility of any setback and allow the midfielder to regain full fitness under appropriate conditions.

With the World Cup approaching, safeguarding the condition of key players has become increasingly important for the national team.

Boudaoui’s absence from the travelling squad is therefore not being viewed solely in relation to the match against the Netherlands.

It also forms part of a broader strategy designed to ensure he is fully recovered before returning to competitive football.

The midfielder remains an important member of the Algeria setup, and the coaching staff appear determined to avoid exposing him to unnecessary risk while he continues his rehabilitation.

The friendly in Rotterdam is expected to serve as one of Algeria’s final opportunities to assess the squad before the tournament begins. However, the staff have concluded that participation at this stage would come too soon for Boudaoui.

By remaining in Algiers, the midfielder will be able to continue following his recovery programme while medical personnel closely monitor his progress.

His situation underlines the challenges teams often face during major tournament preparations, where balancing fitness, recovery and competitive readiness can become as important as tactical planning.

For Algeria, the focus remains on ensuring players arrive at the World Cup in the best possible condition.

The coaching staff have already demonstrated a willingness to place long-term availability ahead of short-term involvement, particularly when medical concerns are involved.

Boudaoui’s case is a clear example of that philosophy.

Although the midfielder travelled through much of the preparation period with the squad and remained involved in team activities, his recovery has not yet reached the point where a return to match action can be considered appropriate.

The decision to keep him in Algiers was therefore taken as a precautionary measure rather than a reaction to any new problem.

His continued absence from competitive football is directly linked to the recovery process following the collision he suffered against Saint-Étienne and the requirements of concussion management protocols.

While Algeria prepare to face the Netherlands without him, attention will remain focused on his progress in the coming days.

For now, the national team’s position is clear.

Boudaoui will not travel to Rotterdam, and his recovery will continue under close supervision as medical staff seek to ensure a safe and gradual return to action.

With the World Cup drawing closer, Algeria hope that patience now will allow one of their important midfielders to return at the right time and under the best possible conditions.