Zidane’s son dropped from Algeria squad for AFCON qualifiers

Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been left out of the squad for the country’s two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Togo, head coach Brahim Hemdani has confirmed.

Zidane has been absent from recent matches because of an injury and a two-game suspension. However, Hemdani clarified that his exclusion from the latest squad was “based on sporting criteria”.

Speaking to journalists, the coach explained that he wanted goalkeepers who were actively featuring for their clubs. “I need to have three goalkeepers who were getting as much playing time as possible,” he said.

Following the decision, USM Alger goalkeeper Oussama Benbot has received a call-up alongside Melvin Mastil, who plays for Swiss side Lausanne-Sport, and Abdelatif Ramdane of MC Alger.

Zidane, the son of former France international and football icon Zinedine Zidane, became eligible to represent Algeria after changing his sporting nationality in September 2025.

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The goalkeeper chose to represent the Fennecs because of his family’s Algerian roots, having switched from his previous international eligibility to play for the North African country.