Algeria: 12 World Cup players absent from Hemdani’s first squad
In his first squad with Algeria, Brahim Hemdani has left out 12 players from the 2026 World Cup due to retirements, suspensions, injuries, and sporting choices ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Brahim Hemdani has significantly reshaped the Algeria squad for his first gathering as head coach. Twelve players who participated in the 2026 World Cup are not included in the 26-man roster set to face Zambia and Burundi in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, followed by a friendly against Niger.
Some of these absences are unavoidable. Riyad Mahrez and Aïssa Mandi have retired from international duty following the World Cup, while Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali are suspended. Yacine Titraoui is injured. Nadhir Benbouali, also absent, has recently been hindered by physical issues.
Oussama Benbot, Mohamed Amine Tougaï, Houssem Aouar, Hicham Boudaoui, Ramiz Zerrouki, and Farès Ghedjemis complete the list of World Cup players not selected. The squad thus reflects several changes compared to the team used during the World Cup.
The new coaching staff has recalled or retained several players to kick off this cycle. Ibrahim Maza, Nabil Bentaleb, Farès Chaïbi, Himad Abdelli, Adil Aouchiche, and Adem Zorgane make up the midfield, while Mohamed Amoura, Moncef Bakrar, Bachir Belloumi, Adil Boulbina, Amine Chiakha, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa, and Ilan Kebbal are among the forwards.
Appointed in early September to lead the Greens, Brahim Hemdani has called up 26 players for a training camp scheduled from September 21 to October 6. His first squad aims to launch the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Algeria will host Zambia on September 25 in Tizi Ouzou, before facing Burundi on September 29. The gathering will conclude on October 6 with a friendly match against Niger.
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