Algerian national team coach Vladimir Petkovic announced the team's roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Guinea and Uganda, and star player Riyad Mahrez was noticeably absent from the list.
Mahrez, who currently plays for Saudi club Al-Ahly, has been absent from the team due to a knee injury and has chosen to rest to ensure his readiness for upcoming matches. However, there are reports that Mahrez may be taking a break from the national team following a disappointing AFCON campaign.
Despite his absence, Mahrez has been in impressive form for Al-Ahly in the Saudi Pro League, boasting eleven goals and 13 assists from 32 appearances.
Algeria will host Guinea on June 6th and travel to Kampala to face Uganda on June 10th. The team is currently top of Group G with six points.
Here's the full squad list:
- Goalkeepers: Benbot, Mandera, Zeghba
- Defenders: Aït-Nouri, Atal, Guitoun, Hadjam, Keddad, Madani, Mandi, Tougaï
- Midfielders: Aouar, Bennacer, Bentaleb, Kendouci, Zerrouki
- Forwards: Amoura, Bakrar, Benzia, Bounedjah, Brahim, Gouiri, Hadj Moussa