Algeria: A major package confirmed
On the sidelines of its entry into contention in the 2026 World Cup, Algeria will have to deal with a major absentee for the preparation match scheduled for Wednesday against the Netherlands.
Last Sunday, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic officially unveiled his list of players selected to play in the 2026 World Cup on the American continent (from June 11 to July 19). A list in which Hicham Boudaoui does indeed appear.
Victim of a violent head shock during the first leg of the Ligue 1 promotion play-off between AS Saint-Etienne and OGC Nice (0-0), on May 26, Hicham Boudaoui was unable to play in the second round won by the Aiglons (4-1). The 26-year-old midfielder was subjected to a concussion protocol and the deadline was too short to see him return for the return match.
During a press conference on Sunday, Vladimir Petkovic indicated that Hicham Boudaoui was “the only problem we had this week, but it’s practically solved”before specifying: “The blow to the head automatically activates the concussion protocol as recommended by FIFA. There is a seven-day rest that must be respected. The deadline is over and all the checks we have done have been positive. From today (Sunday) the player will be with the team. »
Boudaoui will not play against the Netherlands
If the violence of the shock led us to fear the worst for Boudaoui, the latter ultimately has nothing serious and will therefore be able to make the trip to the United States to compete in the World Cup with the Fennecs. However, the native of Béchar will not participate in the first preparation match of the Greens against the Netherlands, this Wednesday (8:45 p.m.) in Rotterdam, assures La Gazette du Fennec.
As a reminder, Algeria will enter the 2026 World Cup on June 17 against the reigning world champions Argentina. Riyad Mahrez and his gang will then face Jordan (June 23), before closing the group stage against Austria (June 28).
