ALGIERS, Oct 3 (The African Portal) – Luca Zidane, the son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been called up to the Algeria squad for their final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for Spanish second-tier side Granada, switched his international allegiance from France to Algeria last month.
Although he represented France at youth level, Zidane never broke into the senior side, making him eligible to play for Algeria through his paternal grandparents.
Algeria sit top of their qualifying group on 19 points and can secure a place at next year’s World Cup with victory over Somalia. If they fail, they will have another chance in a decisive clash with second-placed Uganda.
Zidane’s debut could also pave the way for a place in Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they are already confirmed participants.
The goalkeeper came through Real Madrid’s academy and was part of the first-team squad that won the UEFA Champions League in 2018. After spells with Real Madrid Castilla and Rayo Vallecano, he joined Granada, where he is now first-choice.
His father Zinedine, who was born in Marseille to parents from Bejaia, Algeria, went on to become one of France’s greatest players — and his son now carries that heritage into international football with Algeria.
