World Cup 2026 (Q): Ismaël Bennacer withdraws!

Bad news for the Fennecs as the World Cup 2026 qualifiers resume. Just days before the matches against Botswana (March 21 in Francistown) and Mozambique (March 25 in Tizi-Ouzou), Algeria will have to manage without their star playmaker, Ismaël Bennacer.

The Olympique de Marseille maestro has been forced to withdraw due to an injury sustained in training. Suffering from a thigh strain, the former AC Milan player is not dealing with a severe injury, but his condition prevents him from participating in the upcoming matches under the guidance of coach Vladimir Petkovic.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations champion will remain in Marseille to follow his treatment protocol.

Troubles mount for Bennacer and Algeria

This withdrawal adds to a series of absences for Bennacer, who had already missed the October and November gatherings. His absence during the OM-PSG Clasico last Sunday had already hinted at a prolonged unavailability.

With this setback, Algeria sees a sixth player missing after Houssem Aouar, Baghdad Bounedjah, Ramiz Zerrouki, Montassar Tougaï, and Anthony Mandrea, further complicating the Fennecs' task for these crucial matches.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.