Brahim Hemdani unveils Algeria squad with key absences

Algeria will begin Brahim Hemdani’s tenure without Riyad Mahrez and Luca Zidane, two notable names from the squad that featured at the 2026 World Cup. The omissions mark the first major selection decisions by the new coach, who has taken charge after Vladimir Petkovic’s departure in early August.

Hemdani, appointed only 10 days ago, has announced his group for the next international window. Mahrez is missing after ending his international career. The former Algeria captain had represented the team since 2014 and collected 119 caps.

Zidane’s absence has a different cause. The goalkeeper, who started at the last World Cup, is suspended for Algeria’s next two matches. The sanction follows the African Cup of Nations quarter-final against Nigeria in January, which Algeria lost 2-0. During an incident late in the game, Zidane grabbed Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika’s shirt.

The suspension did not apply to the World Cup, but it now rules Zidane out of Algeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zambia on September 25 and Burundi on September 29. Algeria will then play Niger in a friendly on October 6.