Algeria return to the FIFA World Cup stage for the first time since 2014, and the Desert Foxes arrive with genuine ambition. Under the guidance of Vladimir Petković, Les Verts have assembled a squad rich in European club talent — players forged in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga, and the Premier League who are hungry to prove themselves on the biggest stage. After missing out on both 2018 and 2022, this is a tournament Algeria are determined to make count.
The squad blends experienced campaigners like Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi with an exciting generation of younger players including Ibrahim Maza, Amine Gouiri and Anis Hadj Moussa. Petković has built a tactically flexible side capable of pressing high and transitioning quickly — a style that has rattled opponents throughout qualification. Algeria are in Group J alongside Argentina, and a statement opening match awaits.
First match: Algeria vs Argentina — 16 June 2026, Kansas City Stadium
Full Squad
| Player | Position | Club | Previous World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oussama Benbot | Goalkeeper | USM Alger | 0 |
| Melvin Masstil | Goalkeeper | Stade Nyonnais | 0 |
| Luca Zidane | Goalkeeper | Granada | 0 |
| Achraf Abada | Defender | USM Alger | 0 |
| Rayan Aït-Nouri | Defender | Manchester City | 0 |
| Zinedine Belaïd | Defender | JS Kabylie | 0 |
| Rafik Belghali | Defender | Verona | 0 |
| Ramy Bensebaïni | Defender | Borussia Dortmund | 0 |
| Samir Chergui | Defender | Paris FC | 0 |
| Jaouen Hadjam | Defender | Young Boys | 0 |
| Aïssa Mandi | Defender | Lille | 1 |
| Mohamed Amine Tougaï | Defender | Espérance | 0 |
| Houssem Aouar | Midfielder | Al Ittihad | 0 |
| Nabil Bentaleb | Midfielder | Lille | 1 |
| Hicham Boudaoui | Midfielder | Nice | 0 |
| Farès Chaïbi | Midfielder | Eintracht Frankfurt | 0 |
| Ibrahim Maza | Midfielder | Bayer Leverkusen | 0 |
| Yassine Titraoui | Midfielder | Charleroi | 0 |
| Ramiz Zerrouki | Midfielder | FC Twente | 0 |
| Mohamed Amine Amoura | Forward | VfL Wolfsburg | 0 |
| Nadir Benbouali | Forward | Győri ETO | 0 |
| Adil Boulbina | Forward | Al-Duhail | 0 |
| Farès Ghedjemis | Forward | Frosinone | 0 |
| Amine Gouiri | Forward | Olympique de Marseille | 0 |
| Riyad Mahrez | Forward | Al-Ahli | 1 |
| Anis Hadj Moussa | Forward | Feyenoord Rotterdam | 0 |
Note: World Cup appearances means previous FIFA World Cup final tournaments the player was selected for before 2026, not match appearances.
Key Players
Riyad Mahrez remains Algeria's talisman. The former Manchester City and Premier League champion brings world-class experience and a match-winning ability that no defender in Group J will relish facing. At 35, this is likely his final World Cup, and he will be desperate to leave a mark. His directness, his dribbling and his ability to conjure moments of quality from nothing make him irreplaceable in this squad.
Houssem Aouar is the creative heartbeat of the team. The Al Ittihad midfielder has the vision and technical quality to unlock deep defences, while his ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas gives Algeria an extra dimension in the final third. Alongside him, Ibrahim Maza — still young but already established at Bayer Leverkusen — represents the exciting future of Algerian football.
In attack, Amine Gouiri has the pace and finishing ability to trouble any defence. The Olympique de Marseille forward has been in fine form domestically and arrives at the World Cup with confidence. Ramy Bensebaïni provides energy and an attacking threat from left back, having been one of Borussia Dortmund's most consistent performers. This Algeria squad has genuine quality throughout the XI.
Squad by Position
Goalkeepers: Oussama Benbot, Melvin Masstil, Luca Zidane
Defenders: Achraf Abada, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Zinedine Belaïd, Rafik Belghali, Ramy Bensebaïni, Samir Chergui, Jaouen Hadjam, Aïssa Mandi, Mohamed Amine Tougaï
Midfielders: Houssem Aouar, Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Farès Chaïbi, Ibrahim Maza, Yassine Titraoui, Ramiz Zerrouki
Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura, Nadir Benbouali, Adil Boulbina, Farès Ghedjemis, Amine Gouiri, Riyad Mahrez, Anis Hadj Moussa
FAQ
Who manages Algeria at the 2026 World Cup?
Vladimir Petković is Algeria's head coach at the 2026 World Cup. The Swiss-Bosnian manager, who previously led Switzerland at Euro 2020 and guided them to the quarter-finals, took charge of Algeria and guided them through qualification to their first World Cup since 2014.
Who are Algeria's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Riyad Mahrez is Algeria's most experienced and dangerous attacker. Houssem Aouar pulls the strings in midfield, while Amine Gouiri, Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa provide pace and creativity in the final third. Ramy Bensebaïni is a dynamic force from left back.
Is this Algeria's first World Cup since 2014?
Yes — Algeria are returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014, having missed out on both the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Their last appearance saw them reach the round of 16, where they were eliminated by Germany.
When do Algeria play their first game at the 2026 World Cup?
Algeria open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Argentina on 16 June 2026 at Kansas City Stadium.