Algeria's preliminary World Cup squad is beginning to take shape ahead of the official announcement on May 31, with leaks from the national team camp revealing a mix of familiar faces, a masked goalkeeper, and one notable omission. Local media stationed at Houari-Boumédiène Airport in Algiers captured images of at least five internationals arriving for the pre-camp medical evaluations, offering the first concrete clues about Vladimir Petkovic's thinking for the tournament.
Among the arrivals were defenders Aïssa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaïni, along with full-back Jaouen Hadjam and winger Adil Boulbina. Their presence signals core players reporting for duty as the Fennec Foxes begin finalizing their 26-man roster. However, it was the sight of Luca Zidane—sporting a protective mask reminiscent of a superhero's visor—that drew immediate attention and underscored the physical toll of the long European season.
Zidane, the 26-year-old goalkeeper for Eibar in Spain's Segunda División, suffered a fractured jaw and chin during a league match in late April. He underwent surgery and has since been fitted with a custom mask to allow him to return to training and competition. The injury raised questions about his availability for the World Cup, but his inclusion in the preliminary camp confirms he remains firmly in Petkovic's plans. That decision is partly born of necessity: Algeria's goalkeeping corps has been hit by injuries to Anthony Mandrea and Melvin Mastil, forcing the coach to cast a wide net.
The goalkeeping crisis has become a central storyline. Petkovic called up five keepers to the Sidi Moussa technical center, an unusually high number that reflects both the severity of the injuries and the importance of assessing fitness firsthand. Zidane's willingness to play through a painful recovery—mask and all—speaks to his determination to seize a rare opportunity. For a player who has spent most of his career in Spain's lower divisions, a World Cup call-up would represent the pinnacle of his international journey.
While Zidane's presence was a positive surprise, the leaked squad list also contained a glaring subtraction: Ilan Kebbal. The Paris FC playmaker, who earned recognition for his creative spark in Ligue 2, was reportedly left out of the preliminary group. His omission comes as a talking point among supporters, though the specific reasons—whether tactical, fitness-related, or disciplinary—have not been disclosed. What is clear is that Petkovic is not afraid to make bold choices as he molds a squad capable of escaping the group stage.
The other players spotted form the backbone of a team that underperformed at the last Africa Cup of Nations but remains loaded with talent. Mandi, now at Villarreal, provides veteran leadership in central defense. Bensebaïni, a mainstay at Borussia Dortmund, brings Champions League experience and threat from set pieces. Hadjam offers pace and depth on the left, while Boulbina, a rising star at Paradou AC, represents the next generation. Their early arrival suggests a group eager to atone for past disappointments.
Medical checks will be extensive. The grinding club schedules across Europe and North Africa have left many players nursing knocks. Petkovic and his staff are using the week-long camp to gauge who is truly fit to endure a tournament marathon. The mask on Zidane is the most visible sign of the attrition, but it is far from the only one. Mandrea’s absence with a thigh problem and Mastil’s unspecified injury have already trimmed the goalkeeper options, potentially opening the door for an uncapped fourth choice if others fail to prove readiness.
If Zidane can demonstrate full mobility and confidence despite the protective gear, he may vault into contention as a backup behind the likely first-choice Alexandre Oukidja. His recent performances for Eibar—where he kept three clean sheets in his last five outings before the injury—suggest he is in form. The mask, while cumbersome, has not stopped him from training with intensity, and his mental fortitude could become a narrative touchstone for a squad looking to build resilience.
Kebbal’s absence, meanwhile, highlights the depth of attacking midfield options at Petkovic’s disposal. Players like Riyad Mahrez, Ismaël Bennacer, and Houssem Aouar are expected to anchor the creative roles, leaving little room for a relative newcomer. Yet the decision to exclude Kebbal entirely from the pre-list means he will not even have the chance to impress in training. For the 25-year-old, who has been a consistent performer in France's second tier, it is a setback that will fuel debate in Algerian football circles.
With the final list still a week away, the leaks have only heightened curiosity about Petkovic’s strategy. The coach has emphasized discipline and physical readiness since taking over, famously dropping high-profile names from previous squads. This camp is his last chance to test combinations and make the tough cuts. Every sprint, every medical test, every tactical walkthrough will be scrutinized. The presence of a masked goalkeeper and the absence of a creative midfielder are just the early headlines in a selection process rife with drama.
Algeria will enter the World Cup with a point to prove after a disappointing AFCON exit and a qualifying campaign that required a late surge. The squad that emerges from Sidi Moussa will need to balance experience with youth, resilience with flair. Luca Zidane’s grimacing face behind that mask could become a symbol of that very balance—a player not yet at full strength but ready to fight. As the world waits for the official announcement on Sunday, the fragments of information leaking out of Algiers paint a picture of a team in transition, carefully piecing together its identity for the biggest stage in football.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.