Algeria is preparing to compete in the 23rd edition of the World Cup, from June 11 to July 19 in North America, the fifth in its history. For Vladimir Petković, the objective is clear: reach the round of 16. As the deadline approaches, the coach refines a list that is still far from being fixed.
Among the burning issues, that of goalkeepers. The Greens face a real area of uncertainty in their cages, between injuries and withdrawals. Expected to be number two behind Luca Zidane, Melvin Mastil recently underwent surgery for an inguinal hernia and remains uncertain for the World Cup. For his part, Anthony Mandréa, considered as a third option, withdrew.
In this context, the name of Osama Benbot resurfaces insistently. The USM Alger goalkeeper, normally second in the hierarchy, surprised after CAN 2025 by announcing his international retirement at the age of 31, frustrated at not having had his chance, notably for the benefit of Mandréa, during the third group match of the African Cup.
Benbot, a return for the World Cup?
Since then, its trajectory has taken on a whole new dimension. Centerpiece of the USMA course, finalist of the Confederation Cup and the Algerian Cup, Benbot has established himself as one of the most successful goalkeepers on the continent this season.
And the door is no longer completely closed. After the USMA qualified against Batna (3-1, ap), he opened up the possibility of a return: “If someone calls on me, I will respond. » A strong signal for the Algerian staff, who could well relaunch this unexpected issue as the World Cup approaches.
