What is Eliyas Zidane's current status with the national side?

Algeria is weighing a call‑up for Eliyas Zidane after his signing with Red Star Paris in France's second tier. The 20‑year‑old has not yet played as a professional, but the new contract opens the door to regular appearances. Meanwhile, the team is building on a 3‑3 draw with Austria on 28 June 2026, with a recent form of 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss in the last five matches.

Why does Zidane's addition matter for the World Cup 2026 campaign?

The central defender adds depth to a back line under growing pressure as the final qualifiers approach. Coach Vladimir Petkovic was initially hesitant because Zidane had not played as a "professional," yet the recent deal removes that hurdle. A young player from the Zidane family could give the squad a morale boost after Luca Zidane's failed stint, which shaped fan expectations.

How are the federation and players reacting?

The Algerian Football Federation is actively courting diaspora talent in Europe. Officials say Zidane is being considered for upcoming friendlies. On the other hand, the player remains torn between his dream of joining France's U‑20 side, where he recently captained "the Duck."

What are the next steps for Algeria before the qualifiers?

With a packed schedule, Petkovic must decide quickly on Zidane's inclusion. If called up, he could feature in an upcoming friendly against a European side to assess readiness. At the same time, the team continues to rely on veterans like Riyad Mahrez and Ismaël Bennacer to solidify performance ahead of the crucial World Cup 2026 phase.