Algeria World Cup 2026 Preliminary Squad Expands Under Petkovic

Algeria World Cup 2026 preliminary squad planning has entered the decisive stage under Vladimir Petkovic. The Algeria coach named an expanded group across all positions before the final selection window. Riyad Mahrez, Ismael Bennacer, Houssem Aouar, Rayan Ait Nouri, and Amine Gouiri all remain in contention.

The list gives Petkovic depth before Algeria begin World Cup 2026 work in North America. The staff will assess the squad during a short camp at Sidi-Moussa. The final list must be trimmed to 26 players for the tournament.

Petkovic Opens Algeria Selection Battle

Petkovic has kept continuity from recent call-ups. He also left enough room for competition in goal, defence, midfield, and attack. The size of the list shows that Algeria still have several unsettled spots.

The goalkeeper group is the largest pressure point. Algeria named 10 options there, which points to an open race. The final tournament squad will likely carry three goalkeepers, with one additional reserve allowed in an emergency.

Full Algeria Preliminary Squad List

Goalkeepers

Zidane, Guendouz, Bouhalfaya, Ramdane, Mastil, Merbah, Benbot, Chaal, Yessli, Belazzoug.

Defenders

Benkara, Touba, Redouani, Guitoun, Khacef, Nair, Tougai, Mandi, Abada, Belaid, Chergui, Dorval, Ait Nouri, Belghali, Hadjam, Halaimia.

Midfielders

Bentaleb, Bennacer, Lekhal, Boudaoui, Titraoui, Abdelli, Zorgane, Aouar, Chaibi, Aouchiche, Maza, Zerrouki, Kendouci.

Forwards

Riyad Mahrez, Bouanani, Boulbina, Amoura, Benrahma, Bakrar, Berkane, Benbouali, Bounedjah, Chiakha, Gouiri, Hadj Moussa, Belloumi, Ghedjemis, Kebbal, Yacine Brahimi.

Group J Raises The Selection Stakes

Algeria open against Argentina in Kansas City on June 16. They then face Jordan and Austria in Group J. The draw gives Petkovic three very different match problems.

The Group J opener demands control without losing counterattack threat. Argentina force teams to protect central zones. Jordan and Austria will test Algeria’s ability to manage possession pressure and wide defending.

Midfield Depth Gives Algeria A Real Debate

Bennacer, Bentaleb, Aouar, Zerrouki, and Chaibi give Petkovic multiple midfield profiles. Algeria can build with two holders or use a more technical midfield three. That choice will shape which forwards survive the cut.

Mahrez remains the headline attacking name. Amoura, Benrahma, Gouiri, Bounedjah, and Brahimi make the forward race crowded. Petkovic needs finishers, runners, and creators, but the final squad limit forces trade-offs.

Sidi-Moussa Camp Becomes The Final Filter

Algeria’s camp is scheduled from May 25 to May 31 at the National Technical Centre in Sidi-Moussa. That window gives the staff fitness data and tactical evidence before the final list. Players returning from heavy club seasons must show recovery speed.

Fans can track wider roster decisions through FIFA News as federations move from preliminary lists to final squads. Algeria’s final cut should reveal whether Petkovic leans toward experience or a younger pressing group. The preliminary squad gives him both options.

Algeria have enough attacking quality to worry Group J opponents, but their final balance will decide how ambitious they can be.