Algeria: left out of the 2026 World Cup, Ismaël Bennacer speaks out

Ismaël Bennacer was not selected by Vladimir Petkovic to play in the 2026 World Cup. While debates about his omission are swirling on social media, Bennacer decided to break his silence this Tuesday in an interview with La Gazette du Fennec.

Asked about his absence, Ismaël Bennacer expressed his deep bitterness at the prospect of missing such an important event with his country. "It's a dream. I've always dreamed of playing in a World Cup with my country. This jersey means so much to me. Since day one, I've always given everything for the national team, both on and off the pitch. After the 2022 World Cup, which slipped through our fingers, this 2026 World Cup had a special flavor. It was something I had in mind, a very strong objective. I wanted to be there, help the team, defend our colors, and bring my experience to the group. (...) So yes, of course, I'm disappointed not to have been called up, because I felt ready. But in any case, I continue to work and train on my own. I'm available to the coach if he needs me.", he said.

Bennacer also admitted he is totally at a loss: "I'm not going to lie, I'm in a state of confusion. When you feel good physically, you’re working hard, you're back to a good level, and you've had this World Cup dream with your country for years, it’s obviously tough to accept. But I respect the choices that have been made. I know football, I know these are decisions that belong to the coach. On my side, I stay focused on what I can control: keep working, stay in rhythm, and maintain my form. As long as there’s a chance, I’ll be ready to answer the call. (...) Today, I’m fit, I feel good, and I’m able to help the team. I respect the decisions that have been made, but obviously, when you’re available, when you’ve always been there for your country and believe you can bring something to the group, it’s a frustrating situation."

Nevertheless, Bennacer confirmed he will be supporting his country during this 2026 World Cup: "Whatever happens, I’ll be behind my brothers. I’ll support the team, like all Algerians. Of course, I’ll be disappointed, because I would have loved to be with them on the pitch, to experience this adventure from the inside. But Algeria comes first. I wish the squad to go as far as possible and I’ll always be behind them."

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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