Algeria national team coach Vladimir Petkovic is reportedly considering a return to better relations with two experienced players who have been sidelined for disciplinary reasons, potentially paving the way for their inclusion in the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to La Gazette du Fennec, Petkovic, who took over as Algeria’s head coach in 2024, may prioritize performance and team utility over past disciplinary issues when selecting his final 26-player roster for the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The two players in question are midfielder Nabil Bentaleb and forward Baghdad Bounedjah, both of whom have been excluded from recent national team duties due to attitude and conduct concerns. Bentaleb, who plays for Lille in Ligue 1, has been particularly impressive since early March 2026, recording seven consecutive league starts before a recent absence against Nice. His performances have drawn praise from Lille’s head coach Bruno Genesio, teammate and national team captain Aïssa Mandi, and local observers, with Bentaleb himself describing his current form as his “best Lille period.”
Despite his on-field resurgence, Bentaleb has remained out of the Algeria setup since November 2025 following a disciplinary incident. Reports indicate that he publicly criticized Petkovic’s decision to substitute him during a 3-0 loss to Somalia in October 2025. However, recent developments suggest a possible thaw in relations. Bentaleb reportedly had a discussion with Petkovic and expressed regret over his actions, opening the door to a potential recall for the World Cup.
Similarly, Bounedjah, a veteran striker with 86 international caps and Algeria’s fourth-all-time leading scorer with 35 goals, was omitted from the March 2026 training camp. Petkovic opted instead to call up Nadhir Benbouali to fill the void in the attacking department. While Benbouali scored in a 7-0 friendly win over Guatemala, he has not consistently demonstrated the same impact as Bounedjah, particularly in terms of physical presence and ability to hold up play against strong defenses.
La Gazette du Fennec notes that Bounedjah’s specific skill set — his physicality and capacity to pressure opposing defenses — remains unmatched among current alternatives in the squad. Neither Gouiri nor Benbouali have replicated the role Bounedjah typically fulfills for the national team. His experience and motivation to finally compete in a World Cup after narrowly missing out in 2022 could prove valuable in a high-stakes tournament.
Petkovic’s apparent willingness to move past disciplinary incidents aligns with his broader approach since taking charge of the Algerian side. His record with the national team stands at 20 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses in official matches as of March 31, 2026. The coach, a Croatian-born Swiss national who previously led Switzerland from 2014 to 2021, is known for his multilingual abilities and tactical adaptability.
While no final decisions have been made, the potential return of Bentaleb and Bounedjah would significantly bolster Algeria’s options as they prepare for their World Cup campaign. Algeria is set to begin its tournament journey on June 11, 2026, though the specific opponent and venue for the opening match have not yet been confirmed in the verified sources.
The situation remains fluid, with both players’ futures in the national team contingent on continued form, attitude, and Petkovic’s final assessment as the World Cup approaches. For now, the possibility of reconciliation offers a hopeful narrative for two of Algeria’s most talented players as they aim to reclaim their places on the international stage.
As the June 11 kickoff nears, all eyes will be on Petkovic’s squad selection — and whether the coach chooses to prioritize unity and experience over past grievances in pursuit of World Cup success.
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