World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Algeria's squad list with Belaïli's return!

The head coach of the Algerian national team, Vladimir Petković (61 years old), unveiled on Friday, March 14, the list of players called up for the matches against Botswana and Mozambique, as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Fennecs will face Botswana on Friday, March 21, before taking on Mozambique on Tuesday, March 25.

Belaïli returns, Aouar and Bounedjah absent!

Several absences are notable in this list, particularly those of Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Baghdad Bounedjah (Al-Shamal), and Mohamed Amine Tougaï (Espérance de Tunis), all injured.

However, this call-up marks the grand return of Youcef Belaïli, absent from the squad for over 14 months. The playmaker from Espérance de Tunis, who last wore the Greens' jersey on January 23, 2024, rejoins the national team thanks to his outstanding performances this season. With 15 goals and 13 assists in 26 matches, Belaïli establishes himself as a key player for Espérance.

The full list of called-up players:

• Goalkeepers: Mandrea, Guendouz, Oukidja.
  
• Defenders: Fares, Madani, Aït-Nouri, Touba, Bensebaïni, Mandi, Hadjam, Atal.
  
• Midfielders: Boudaoui, Meza, Zorgane, Chaïbi, Bennacer, Kendouci, Abdelli, Benzia.
  
• Forwards: Hadj Moussa, Gouiri, Hiakha, Belaïli, Benrahma, Mahrez, Amoura.
  

Read also: Algeria regains its place on the CAF Executive Committee!

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.