The Zidane legacy is set to grace the FIFA World Cup once again, but this time in the colors of Algeria rather than France. Luca Zidane, the 28-year-old son of French icon Zinedine Zidane, has been included in Algeria's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as confirmed by head coach Vladimir Petković's final roster. The goalkeeper, currently playing for Granada CF in Spain, will represent Algeria at the tournament in North America, marking the nation's first World Cup appearance since 2014.
Why Luca Zidane Can Play for Algeria
Luca Zidane's international journey is distinct from his father's. Born in France, he represented France at various youth levels but never played a competitive senior match for Les Bleus. This allowed him to switch his sporting nationality under FIFA regulations, leveraging his Algerian heritage through his paternal grandparents, who emigrated from the Kabylia region of Algeria to France in 1953. After FIFA approved the change in September 2025, Luca earned six senior caps for Algeria and featured in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, where Algeria lost 2-0 to Nigeria in a match marred by a mass altercation. He has stated that honoring his family roots and fulfilling his grandfather's wish were key motivations.
The Path His Father Never Took
Interestingly, Zinedine Zidane never represented Algeria despite being eligible. He spent his entire senior career with France, famously leading them to the 1998 World Cup title and Euro 2000. A persistent myth claimed that former Algeria coach Abdelhamid Kermali rejected a young Zidane for being "not fast enough," but Zidane has repeatedly denied this, insisting France was always his home. Now, nearly three decades later, his son will carry the Zidane name to the World Cup through Algeria.
Luca Zidane Joins Experienced Algeria Squad
Petković's squad blends established stars and returning players. Captain Riyad Mahrez leads the attack, while record appearance-holder Aïssa Mandi and former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb add experience. Houssem Aouar and Amine Gouiri return after missing the Africa Cup of Nations through injury. Luca's inclusion is notable as he recovered from a broken chin and jaw suffered in April while playing for Granada. He has kept eight clean sheets in 26 Segunda División appearances this season and has played 45 matches for Granada since joining in 2024.
Algeria's World Cup Challenge
Algeria qualified impressively for the expanded 48-team tournament, winning eight of 10 CAF qualifiers and finishing seven points ahead of Uganda. They will make their fifth World Cup appearance, their first since reaching the Round of 16 in 2014. Drawn in Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria, and Jordan, Algeria begin their campaign against Argentina in Kansas City on June 17, following warm-up matches against the Netherlands and Bolivia. For the first time, the Zidane name will appear in an Algeria squad at the World Cup.
