For the second time, Algeria is getting ready for the African qualifiers without Riyad Mahrez

The Algerian roster for their June 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Guinea and Uganda does not contain Riyad Mahrez.

The Al-Ahli right-winger, who was outstanding in Saudi Arabia and finished the season with the most assists (14) in the League, did not make his country’s squad for the international break for the second time in a row since the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The players who were essential to Djamel Belmadi’s success, such as Youcef Belaïli and Islam Slimani, have been replaced by Vladimir Petkovic.

Although the Serbian manager places his faith in a younger generation, he often takes controversial decisions, such as leaving out Eintracht Frankfurt player Farès Chaibi.

After two games, Algeria leads Group G with six points and will host Guinea on June 6. Four days later, on June 10, Algeria will travel to Kampala to play the Uganda Cranes.

Entire squad
Goalkeepers: Zeghba, Mandera, and Benbot

Aït-Nouri, Atal, Guitoun, Hadjam, Keddad, Madani, Mandi, and Tougaï are the defenders.

Aouar, Bennacer, Bentaleb, Kendouci, and Zerrouki are midfielders.

Amoura, Bakrar, Benzia, Bounedjah, Brahim, Gouiri, Hadj Moussa are the forwards.