Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has officially switched his international allegiance to Algeria, paving the way for him to represent the North African nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA approved the goalkeeper’s change of association after his appearances for France at junior levels, including the under-20 team.

Strengthening Algeria’s Goalkeeping Department

Zidane’s decision highlights Algeria’s determination to strengthen their goalkeeping department, which has seen four different goalkeepers – Alexis Guendouz, Oussama Benbot, Anthony Mandrea, and Alexandre Oukidja – start in matches over the past year. With his experience playing for Granada in the Spanish second division, Zidane’s inclusion could bring the stability Algeria has been seeking.

A Football Legacy

As the second of four brothers who came through the Real Madrid academy, Luca Zidane has had a notable football career. He made two senior appearances for Real Madrid and played in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, before moving on to second-tier spells with Eibar and Granada. His eligibility to play for Algeria comes through his father’s heritage, with Zinedine Zidane’s parents hailing from the Kabylie region.

Algeria’s World Cup Hopes

Algeria are strong contenders to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, with a key qualifier against Somalia on the horizon. They currently lead their World Cup qualifying Group G with 19 points, and a win or draw against Uganda in their next match would likely secure their spot in the tournament.