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Boudache chooses Algeria and closes door to Zidane before first squad

As Zinédine Zidane prepares to unveil his first France squad on September 18, Ligue 1 midfielder Kaïl Boudache has confirmed his definitive choice for the Algeria national team, citing his Kabyle roots.

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Boudache chooses Algeria and closes door to Zidane before first squad
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Kaïl Boudache will not be in Zinédine Zidane’s first squad. The 20-year-old midfielder, who wore the France U17 shirt in January 2023 against Morocco, confirmed in an interview with Progrès his commitment to Algeria, even after the appointment of the new France manager.

Zidane officially took over the France team on July 28, succeeding Didier Deschamps after fourteen years in charge. He will unveil his first squad on September 18, as part of the Ligue des Nations, with a promise to refresh the group.

Boudache has already made his decision. When asked about the possibility of a call from Zidane, the player smiles but does not waver: “It will still be Algeria. I go to the country often, my family comes from Kabylie. And in the summers, we go back to enjoy our roots and recharge there.” His long-term ambition is clear: join the Algeria senior team and compete in a World Cup wearing the Fennecs shirt.

The next concrete step for the Ligue 1 player: an expected call-up with Algeria U23 for the Africa Cup of Nations U23 qualifiers, a first step towards the senior team.

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