The coach of the Algerian national team, Vladimir Petkovic, has just revealed a preliminary squad full of surprises for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Among the called-up players, the inclusion of Samir Chergui, a young and unexpected talent, has drawn the attention of observers and supporters. This new call-up comes as Algeria prepares to face Somalia and Uganda in decisive matches.
Since taking office in February 2024, Vladimir Petkovic, leveraging his experience with the Swiss national team and European clubs, intends to bring new energy to the Algerian squad. Despite a mixed start, including uneven results in initial friendly and competitive matches, he maintains a policy of renewal and offensive options. Chergui’s presence illustrates this willingness to integrate new dynamic forces into the group.
The recently published list of 27 players shows several notable changes, such as the call-up of the young goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya instead of other less in-form or less-used goalkeepers. The coach also does not hesitate to keep experienced players while opening the door to others like Rayan Aït-Nouri, despite some injuries, demonstrating his ambition to build a competitive and adaptable team for the final stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup qualifiers.
A few weeks before the confrontations against Somalia, a team far lower in the FIFA ranking, and the tougher challenge against Uganda, the composition of this list strikes a balance between experience and youth. The announcement of Samir Chergui’s call-up, notably relayed by journalist Nabil Djellit, marks a turning point in Petkovic’s strategy, who seeks to optimize the squad’s potential in view of a historic qualification eagerly awaited by Algerian supporters after more than a decade of absence.