After having defended the colors of the French team in all youth categories, Luca Zidane decided to represent Algeria, the country of origin of his illustrious father. Summoned for the first time with the Fennecs for this gathering in October, the 27-year-old goalkeeper landed in Algiers on Monday.
In the Algerian group therefore to play Algeria's last two matches in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, against Somalia, this Thursday (6 p.m.) in Oran, and Uganda in Tizi (October 14), Luca Zidane will not celebrate his first selection today.
Indeed, the Granada goalkeeper is a substitute at the kick-off of the match against Somalia. It is Alexis Guendouz, starter in the Green cage since last March, who was preferred by Vladimir Petkovic.
Luca Zidane: “It’s a pride for me”
“I’m very happy to be here. It's a source of pride for me. I will give everything 100% so that the Algerian people are proud “, declared Luca Zidane at a press conference on Wednesday, and added: “ Algeria is my country, my country of origin and (that of) my grandparents. My whole family is proud of me and is behind me in all my choices. (…) My grandfather is happy that I am in Algeria and that I made this choice. »
Leading Group G of the Africa zone qualifiers with 19 points, Algeria will officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the event of victory over Somalia.
Algeria's eleven: Guendouz – Mandi, Bensebaini, Belghali, Hadjam – Boudaoui, Benzaleb, Chaïbi – Mahrez (cap), Bounedjah, Amoura.
