World Cup 2026 (Q): After Bennacer, Algeria registers a 7th withdrawal!

Africa 17 March 2025 at 13:46

Amine Jomni

News Editor

With just days to go before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Algeria faces a true crisis. Following Ismaël Bennacer's injury, it's now the turn of young Anis Hadj Moussa, Feyenoord's breakout star this season, to withdraw.

The March training camp, beginning this Monday, is thus starting under a cloud for the Fennecs. Already deprived of several key players even before the squad announcement, the team led by Vladimir Petkovic must deal with another major absence.

Hadj Moussa, in great form in recent weeks, adds to the long list of absentees, which notably includes Baghdad Bounedjah, Houssem Aouar, Ramiz Zerrouki, Anthony Mandréa, and Mohamed Amine Tougaï.

Petkovic: "It's a hard blow"

Speaking at a press conference, Algerian coach Vladimir Petkovic acknowledged the complexity of the situation:

"We lost Bennacer two days ago, and since then, Mandréa and Hadj Moussa have also been injured. It's a hard blow."

Despite these numerous absences, the experienced Swiss tactician, aged 61, wants to see the positive side:

"It's also an opportunity for other players to step up and show their worth."

Algeria will therefore need to demonstrate resilience against Botswana and Mozambique to assert their status as the group favorites to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.