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Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, has been included in Algeria’s 26-man squad for the final two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches – his first senior international call-up after switching to Algeria from France.
The call-up follows FIFA’s approval of Zidane’s request to change sporting nationality – a move reported by the FAF and international outlets in mid-September. The change of association was approved by FIFA in September and the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announced the switch before the national team selection.
Zidane, who plays his club football in Spain with Granada, has played at the youth level for France before but never for the senior side. He was eligible to represent Algeria internationally through his paternal family roots.
Petković’s 26-man list and the context
Algeria coach Vladimir Petković made his squad list and included Luca Zidane among three goalkeepers in a 26-player list for Somalia (Oct. 9) and Uganda (Oct. 14) matches.
Petković said the selection is a balance between experience and new options. Algeria is on the verge of qualification, and a win in either match would secure the Greens’ place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Zidane’s availability doesn’t guarantee playing time though; he joins established names and competition for the starting goalkeeper spot, like Alex Gendouz.
At club level, Zidane’s inclusion will have implications for Granada. The club has been using him in domestic competition this season, and the timing means a short-term absence from club duties if he joins the national team.
Luca Zidane’s switch and call-up is certainly because of his name but also because of Algeria’s quest to widen its scope ahead of the World Cup. National teams are still recruiting dual-eligible players in tight qualifications, and Algeria has another experienced goalkeeper to choose from in order for a good qualifying position into a 2026 World Cup ticket.
