Luca Zidane recalled to Algeria goal for knockout clash against Switzerland

Luca Zidane is expected to reclaim his starting position in goal for Algeria in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Switzerland on Friday at 5 a.m. According to L’Équipe, manager Vladimir Petkovic has made the decision in his favour, ahead of Oussama Benbot and third-choice goalkeeper Melvin Mastil.

Zidane’s return was far from certain. The Granada FC goalkeeper — who plays in Spain’s second division — started Algeria’s first two matches but delivered performances deemed insufficient, leading Petkovic to replace him with Benbot for the third group game against Austria (3-3). The manager was explicit at the time: “Luca Zidane’s absence is due to the performances he delivered in the first two matches. I felt Benbot deserved to play today.”

Despite this public setback, the manager is placing his faith in Zidane for Algeria’s most important match of the campaign. Behind him, the defence should be built around Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini and Hadjam. In midfield, the trio Aouar-Bentaleb-Maza is expected, while Riyad Mahrez will lead the attack alongside Gouiri and Chaïbi.

The historic stakes are considerable: Algeria has never won a knockout match at the World Cup. The Fennecs will face a solid Switzerland side led by Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo.

Probable lineups

Algeria: Zidane – Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Hadjam – Aouar, Bentaleb, Maza – Mahrez (c), Gouiri, Chaïbi.

Switzerland: Kobel – Jaquez, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez – Freuler, Xhaka (c), Sow – Manzambi, Embolo, Vargas.