Brahim Hemdani names first Algeria squad with nine returns

Brahim Hemdani has selected a 26-man Algeria squad for his first international window, recalling nine players who missed the 2026 World Cup while leaving out several established names.

The new Algeria manager’s first assignment will be the opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Fennecs host Zambia in Tizi-Ouzou on 25 September before travelling to Bujumbura to face Burundi four days later.

Houssem Aouar, Ramiz Zerrouki and Hicham Boudaoui are among the notable omissions from the group previously chosen by Vladimir Petkovic. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane and defender Rafik Belghali are also unavailable because both are suspended for the two fixtures.

Aissa Mandi and Riyad Mahrez are no longer eligible for selection after ending their international careers following the 2026 World Cup.

Hemdani has nevertheless brought back a number of players who were not involved at the tournament. Ilan Kebbal, Himad Abdelli, Adil Aouchiche, Adem Zorgane, Ahmed Touba, Saadi Radouani, Monsef Bakrar, Amin Chiakha and Bachir Belloumi have all returned to the Algeria squad.

The new group still includes a number of key attacking players, including Amine Gouiri, Mohamed Amine Amoura and Ibrahim Maza. The selection represents the start of the new cycle under Hemdani as Algeria begin their route towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Algeria squad

Goalkeepers

Melvin Mastil Abdelatif Ramdane Kilian Belazzoug

Defenders

Achraf Abada Rayan Ait-Nouri Zineddine Belaid Ramy Bensebaini Samir Chergui Jaouen Hadjam Souhaib Nair Saadi Radouani Ahmed Touba

Midfielders

Himad Abdelli Adil Aouchiche Nabil Bentaleb Fares Chaibi Ibrahim Maza Adem Zorgane

Forwards

Mohamed Amine Amoura Monsef Bakrar Bachir Belloumi Adil Boulbina Amin Chiakha Amine Gouiri Anis Hadj Moussa Ilan Kebbal