Luca Zidane reflects on Algeria World Cup exit and targets promotion with Leganés

Luca Zidane has described Algeria’s 2026 World Cup campaign as a valuable experience despite the Fennecs being eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 32.

The goalkeeper, who has now joined Spanish side CD Leganés, made his first public appearance since the tournament and chose to focus on the positive elements of his second major international competition.

“A very good experience. It’s the greatest thing for a footballer ,” the new Leganés goalkeeper told Spanish media.

Zidane had hoped Algeria would progress further in the tournament, but their campaign ended with a defeat by Switzerland.

“We would have liked to go further, but Switzerland eliminated us and it didn’t go as we wanted. I mainly take away the overall experience of this World Cup.”

Algeria also faced a difficult challenge in the group stage against eventual finalists Argentina, losing 3-0 in a match that Zidane acknowledged was particularly demanding.

“Messi’s Argentina? An extremely complicated match. When you face one of the best players in the history of football, it’s inevitably a difficult challenge.”

The World Cup was the second major official tournament of Zidane’s international career, although he was unable to help Algeria achieve the lengthy run they had hoped for.

The goalkeeper has now turned his attention towards a new chapter in Spain with Leganés and has already set his sights on helping the club return to the first division.

“Promotion is always in the back of my mind. I’m a very ambitious player; we all want to play at the highest level, and that’s precisely why I chose to come here.

We have a very good team, but the most important thing will be to focus on each match individually. Every player aspires to play in the first division, and every year I will fight to achieve that.”

Zidane also explained the qualities he believes he can bring to his new team, highlighting his personality, tactical awareness and ability to react quickly.

“I am a goalkeeper with a lot of personality on the field, with a good tactical understanding of the game. I don’t really like to talk about myself, but I consider myself someone who is agile and quick in his interventions.”

His immediate focus is now on Leganés’ competitive campaign, with the club beginning their Segunda División season away to Girona on Sunday.

After an international tournament that ended earlier than Algeria had wanted, Zidane is now looking ahead to his new club challenge and the ambition of helping Leganés secure promotion.