Ilan Kebbal facing Algeria World Cup omission after losing place under Petkovic

Ilan Kebbal appears increasingly unlikely to secure a place in Algeria’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup, with recent decisions from head coach Vladimir Petkovic suggesting the winger has fallen behind in the national team hierarchy.

Questions over Kebbal’s international future had already emerged following Algeria’s training camp in March, where indications pointed towards growing uncertainty around his role within the squad.

The situation has since become clearer, with Petkovic appearing to favour alternative options on the right wing.

The Paris FC winger has struggled to establish himself despite producing strong performances at club level throughout the season.

During the previous FIFA international window, Petkovic selected Farès Ghedjemis ahead of Kebbal, a decision now viewed as a significant indication of the coach’s long-term plans.

Kebbal’s difficulties with the national side contrast sharply with his domestic form. Earlier in the campaign, the former Stade de Reims player enjoyed an impressive run in French football, recording four goals and two assists in seven matches. Yet his opportunities with Algeria remained extremely limited.

Despite his strong start to the season, Kebbal was given only seven minutes during the October match against Uganda. Before that, although he had been included in the September training camp, he did not feature at all.

Those limited appearances increasingly appeared to signal a lack of confidence from the coaching staff. Although he later travelled with the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, his role remained marginal.

Kebbal played only 11 minutes against Equatorial Guinea after qualification had already been secured, while other attacking players were given more prominent opportunities.

The competition for places on the wing has intensified further with the emergence of Anis Hadj Moussa and the continued presence of captain Riyad Mahrez.

Kebbal’s position became even more vulnerable after a thigh injury ruled him out of the March international break.

That absence opened the door for Ghedjemis, who strengthened his case by scoring as a substitute in Algeria’s 7-0 victory against Guatemala.

Reports now suggest Petkovic sees him as a more suitable fit for the role of third-choice right winger behind Mahrez and Hadj Moussa.

For Kebbal, the situation marks a difficult setback after a season in which his club performances appeared to justify greater international involvement.

Attention now turns to Algeria’s final squad announcement, which is expected to confirm whether the winger still has a future in Petkovic’s plans ahead of the World Cup.