Algeria's World Cup 2026 preparations have suffered a major setback with goalkeeper Luca Zidane sustaining a serious facial injury. The 27-year-old shot-stopper was hurt during his club Granada's Spanish second-division match against Almeria on Sunday.
Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, had just received his first-ever call-up to the Algerian national team earlier this week. The international switch for the France-born goalkeeper marks a significant career move after representing France at youth levels.
The injury Zidane suffered was described as "serious facial damage" following a collision with an opponent. The incident occurred in the 34th minute of the match that ended 1-1. Granada's medical staff intervened immediately and transported the goalkeeper to hospital for necessary examinations.
This injury comes at a critical time for Algeria as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The Algerian national team, known as the Fennecs, have already qualified for the global tournament following strong performances in African qualifiers. Fans can follow the latest injury updates for our national team via our injuries page.
Luca Zidane's absence would present a significant challenge for the national team coach in selecting goalkeepers. The keeper was expected to compete for the starting position after his international switch from France. Algeria currently relies on goalkeepers like Anthony Mandrea and Moustapha Zeghba between the posts.
The Algerian team has a strong defensive record in qualifiers, conceding only two goals in six matches. This solid defensive performance contributed directly to the team's qualification for the global tournament. Complete team statistics are available on our stats page.
| Position | Player | Club | International Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Anthony Mandrea | Metz | 12 |
| Goalkeeper | Moustapha Zeghba | Demirspor | 8 |
| Goalkeeper | Luca Zidane | Granada | 0 |
The table above shows Algeria's main goalkeepers and their international caps to date.
Luca Zidane previously stated he was "ready to give everything" for the Algerian national team. The goalkeeper who began his career at Real Madrid before moving to Granada expressed excitement about representing his ancestral country. Zidane said in a previous statement: "This is a great honor for me, I'm excited for this opportunity."
Granada's medical team will determine the recovery time needed from the injury. Initial estimates suggest the goalkeeper may require several weeks to return to action. This timeline places his participation in the 2026 World Cup under serious doubt.
The Algerian national team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup with a series of friendly and preparatory matches. The team will play several international fixtures in preparation for the tournament that begins in summer 2026. Fans can follow the team's upcoming match schedule via our fixtures page.
The Fennecs will rely on a mix of experienced veterans and young talents for the tournament. The team possesses a balanced squad featuring international experience and youthful energy. The current squad includes 26 players from various European and domestic leagues.
Luca Zidane's injury reminds us of the importance of squad depth in major tournament preparations. The national team coach will need to reassess his goalkeeping options in the coming weeks. The national team medical staff will closely monitor the goalkeeper's progress before making any final decision about his participation.
