Rafik Belghali celebrates first Algeria call-up: “A dream come true”

Hellas Verona defender Rafik Belghali described his first call-up to the Algerian national team as a lifelong dream fulfilled, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

At 22, the Belgian-trained defender earned his place in the Algerian squad for the first time, a reward for his consistent performances in Italy’s Serie A.

The milestone represents not only a professional achievement but also a deeply personal one for the player, who has long identified with his Algerian roots.

Belghali shared his joy with fans on social media, posting a photo of himself wearing the national team jersey.

“A dream come true, I am honored to receive my first call-up to represent my country,” he wrote, underlining the emotional significance of the moment.

The timing of his debut could not be more critical. Algeria will play two decisive fixtures in October as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and head coach Vladimir Petkovic sees Belghali as a valuable addition to his defensive setup.

Petkovic has made it a priority to widen his player pool ahead of the final qualification rounds, and Belghali’s inclusion signals growing trust in the young defender’s abilities.

Born in 2002, Belghali’s path to the Algerian national team has been shaped by determination and strong national pride.

Despite building his career in Europe — a journey that might have opened doors to other international options — he never hesitated about representing Algeria.

His decision reflects a profound connection to the country and a heartfelt commitment to wearing the green shirt.

As he prepares to join the squad, Belghali hopes to make an immediate impact and help Algeria push closer to securing a place at the 2026 World Cup.

“A dream come true 🇩🇿✨ Honored to receive my first call-up to represent my country. Alhamdoulillah #tahiadjazair pic.twitter.com/wo0XFYTzYR

— Rafik Belghali (@rafikbelghali17) October 2, 2025