Veteran goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja fighting for Algeria recall despite uncertainty

Alexandre Oukidja says he has not given up on his ambition of representing Algeria national football team at the 2026 World Cup, despite being without a club following a serious knee injury suffered last summer.

The veteran goalkeeper has been sidelined since rupturing his cruciate ligament and currently trains with the reserve side of FC Metz as he works to regain full fitness.

At 37, Oukidja recognises the difficulties standing in his way.

Without a professional contract and after months away from competitive football, the former Algeria international understands that returning to the national team will not be straightforward.

Even so, he remains determined to keep himself available for selection and believes he can still contribute to the squad if given the opportunity.

“To be called up to the national team and participate in the World Cup, you have to be competitive, be under contract, which I am not. But hey, Roger Milla did play in the World Cup at 42 years old and without a contract… So I try, via social media – even if it’s not really my thing – to show that I’m here, that I’m working every day and that I’m ready to go,” Oukidja said in an interview.

Oukidja’s comments reflect both the challenge he faces and the belief he still carries as he attempts to extend his international career.

The goalkeeper has continued training while waiting for another opportunity in professional football.

Although he is no longer attached to a senior club squad, he remains focused on maintaining his physical condition in the hope of returning to the highest level.

His determination also comes at a time when questions remain around the goalkeeping position within the Algerian national team setup.

Oukidja believes his experience could still make him a valuable option for the Fennecs, particularly as the team continues preparations for future international competitions, including the World Cup.

The former RC Strasbourg Alsace goalkeeper also revealed that he has already spoken directly with Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic about his situation and his readiness to return if required.

“At the beginning of the year, I spoke with the coach Vladimir Petkovic, to tell him that I was preparing myself in case. (…) This is just my opinion, but I am convinced that I have a place in the national team,” he says.

The conversation underlines Oukidja’s desire to remain involved with the national side despite the uncertainty surrounding his club future.

Having spent years around the Algeria setup, the goalkeeper is relying on both his experience and mental strength as he works his way back from injury.

His current situation may appear difficult, but Oukidja has made it clear that retirement from international football is not yet on his mind.

Instead, he continues to train daily and use every possible platform to remind decision-makers that he remains committed and available.

The reference to legendary Cameroon striker Roger Milla also highlights the belief that age alone should not define a player’s chances at international level.

For Oukidja, the coming months could prove decisive.

Without regular club football, securing a place in Algeria’s plans will remain a major challenge.

However, the goalkeeper appears ready to continue fighting for his opportunity, convinced that his experience and determination still have value.

As preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue, Oukidja is refusing to rule himself out of contention.

Despite injury setbacks, uncertainty over his future and the absence of a contract, the Algerian goalkeeper remains focused on one objective — keeping alive the possibility of wearing his country’s colours on football’s biggest stage once again.