Algeria Announce 2026 World Cup Squad as Riyad Mahrez Returns and Ismaël Bennacer Misses Out

Algeria have officially unveiled their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Riyad Mahrez set to feature in the tournament for the second time in his career.

The Desert Foxes confirmed their final selection on Sunday ahead of the competition in North America, where they will be aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage.

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the absence of Ismaël Bennacer, who has not been included in the final roster.

Algeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Luca Zidane (Granada), Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Melvin Mastil (Stade Nyonnais), Abdelatif Ramdane (CS Constantine)

Defenders: Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona), Samir Chergui (Red Star FC), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City), Jaouen Hadjam (BSC Young Boys), Aïssa Mandi (LOSC Lille), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), Zineddine Belaïd (JS Kabylie), Achref Abada (USM Alger), Mohamed Amine Tougaï (Espérance de Tunis)

Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (LOSC Lille), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Yacine Titraoui (Charleroi), Ramiz Zerrouki (FC Twente)

Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg), Nadhir Benbouali (Győr), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail), Farès Ghedjemis (Frosinone), Amine Gouiri (Olympique de Marseille), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli)