Suspended by CAF, Luca Zidane to miss first two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Luca Zidane will not wear the Algeria shirt during the September international window. The Fennecs’ number one goalkeeper must serve two matches of suspension decided by CAF’s disciplinary commission, which deprives him of the first two matches of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers: the home reception of Zambia, then the away trip to Burundi.

This sanction stems from the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final against Nigeria. Following the match, marked by scuffles after the final whistle, referee Issa Sy cited Luca Zidane and his teammate Rafik Belghali in his disciplinary report. CAF subsequently ruled: two matches suspension for the goalkeeper, four for Belghali of which two are suspended.

This absence extends a difficult run for Zinédine Zidane’s son. At the World Cup, established as the starter since his arrival in the national team, he conceded three goals against Argentina and then a goal deemed avoidable against Jordan. Later rested, he gave way to Oussama Benbot against Austria — a match that ended in another 3-0 defeat — before returning to goal for the round of 16 against Switzerland. Algeria lost 2-0, ending their World Cup campaign.

The management of the goalkeeper position had already fueled debate within the Algeria squad. Zidane’s absence in September reopens the question of the hierarchy in goal for the Fennecs, at a time when the Greens are beginning a new cycle of continental qualification.