Brahim Hemdani is expected to name a 30-man Algeria squad around 20 September as he begins a new era with the national team alongside Antar Yahia.
The former captain was appointed after Vladimir Petkovic’s departure and faces a demanding first camp. Algeria will play Zambia on 25 September, Burundi four days later and Niger in a friendly on 6 October.
The retirements of Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi have closed the chapter on two members of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations-winning side. The Federation algerienne de football is expected to invite both players for a tribute, although neither should be selected.
Ramy Bensebaini is the leading candidate to take over as captain. Luca Zidane remains suspended following incidents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Melvin Mastil, Kilian Bellazoug and Abdelatif Ramdane as the anticipated goalkeeping trio. Oussama Benbot is not currently expected to feature in Hemdani’s plans.
Mastil has established himself after returning from a loan spell at Lausanne-Sport, while Ramdane retains his standing through his performances for MC Alger. Benbot has greater international experience.
Expected goalkeepers: Kilian Bellazoug, Melvin Mastil, Abdelatif Ramdane.
Mandi’s retirement and Rafik Belghali’s suspension are also likely to force changes in defence. Bensebaini should become the central figure, with Samir Chergui and Zineddine Belaid providing continuity.
Ahmed Touba has made an immediate impact at Le Havre, while Sohaib Nair has impressed with Saint-Etienne. Abdelnour Soualhia, a 1.94m left-footed centre-back starting for Telstar in Eredivisie, has scored once and supplied one assist this season and could receive a first call-up.
Rayan Ait-Nouri remains the preferred option at left-back, with Jaouen Hadjam also expected to be included despite limited playing time since joining Brighton. Kevin Guitoun (Van Den Kerkhof) strengthened his case with two goals and one assist in August and was named Belgium’s player of the month. Mohamed Azzi could benefit from Belghali’s suspension after his move to CSKA Moscow.
Expected defenders: Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Jaouen Hadjam, Samir Chergui, Ahmed Touba, Zineddine Belaid, Sohaib Nair, Abdelnour Soualhia, Kevin Guitoun (Van Den Kerkhof), Mohamed Azzi.
The midfield is set for the biggest overhaul. Nabil Bentaleb is expected to miss the camp after a recent alert with Lille, while Ramiz Zerrouki has slipped down the pecking order. Hicham Boudaoui, Ibrahim Maza, Houssem Aouar and Fares Chaibi should keep their places.
Yacine Titraoui, recovering from a thigh problem at Lens, is considered a key player for the next cycle. Himad Abdelli has regained prominence and playing time at Marseille, while Adem Zorgane remains a regular performer for Union Saint-Gilloise. Adil Aouchiche has scored his first Bundesliga goal for Schalke 04, and Adil Bourabaa has made four decisive contributions, including two goals, in the first four Ligue 1 matches.
Expected midfielders: Hicham Boudaoui, Ibrahim Maza, Houssem Aouar, Fares Chaibi, Yacine Titraoui, Himad Abdelli, Adem Zorgane, Adil Bourabaa, Adil Aouchiche.
Mohamed Amoura and Amine Gouiri remain the principal attacking options, with Adil Boulbina offering an alternative on the left. The main contest is for Mahrez’s place on the right.
Anis Hadj Moussa and Ilan Kebbal are candidates, but Mohamed Bachir Belloumi has made a strong claim after scoring twice against Chelsea for Hull City. His pace, direct running and movement inside make him a credible successor.
Amin Chiakha, the leading scorer in Norway with 12 goals for Rosenborg, is also expected to return to contention after missing the World Cup. Ben Ahmed Kohili could complete the attack after scoring five times and providing one assist at the Mediterranean Games, which Algeria won.
Baghdad Bounedjah, Yacine Brahimi and Youcef Belaili may have appeared on an extended list, but their age makes a return unlikely, while Brahimi has ruled it out. Nadhir Benbouali and Fares Ghedjemis may lose out to the emerging Chiakha, Belloumi and Kohili.
Expected attackers: Mohamed Amoura, Ilan Kebbal, Amine Gouiri, Adil Boulbina, Anis Hadj Moussa, Mohamed Bachir Belloumi, Amin Chiakha, Ben Ahmed Kohili.