Algeria at the 2026 World Cup: Roster, List, Players, Group and Schedule
The goalkeeper returned after surgery on a fractured chin and jaw, and medical staff required the mask to protect his face.
- On Tuesday, Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane made his 2026 FIFA World Cup debut against Argentina in Kansas, wearing a mandatory protective mask shielding a fractured jaw and chin.
- Following a collision during a Granada club match in April, Zidane suffered severe facial fractures requiring surgery that sidelined him for over a month before the tournament.
- The 28-year-old is the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane and switched international allegiance to Algeria in 2025, telling The Athletic: "We've lived in an Algerian culture since we were small."
- Defeat in the opener leaves Algeria facing Group J matches against Jordan on June 22 and Austria on June 27 to advance from the group stage.
- Head coach Vladimir Petkovic's squad aims to progress from the group stage with a roster featuring established forward Riyad Mahrez, carrying high expectations into the tournament.
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Why is Zinedine Zidane's Son Luca Playing for Algeria in FIFA World Cup 2026? | ⚽ LatestLY
Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, is a standout for Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026, proudly representing his paternal heritage. The 28-year-old Granada goalkeeper is also bravely competing in Group J matches, including the recent 0-3 loss to Argentina on June 17, 2026, while wearing a protective face mask following a severe fractured jaw injury. ⚽ Why is Zinedine Zidane's Son Luca Playing for Algeria in FIFA World Cup 2026?.
Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane hung his head after conceding the second goal to Argentina's Lionel Messi in the first group stage match of the CONCACAF World Cup on the 17th. The son of French "football hero" Zinedine Zidane, he followed in his grandfather's footsteps to become an Algerian national team player and made his World Cup debut, but he lost face by conceding three goals to Messi alone on that day.
After twenty years of absence, a Zidane reappeared at a world championship last night – Zizou son Luca celebrated his debut.
The guardian of Algeria is none other than the son of the legend of the team of France, the gold ball and world champion 1998, Zinedine Zidane.
Leo Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria in front of Zinedine Zidane. The French legend looked worried in the stands. His son Luca was in goal.
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