Algeria represented in CAF Awards 2026 and youth squad updates

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the 2026 African Player of the Year award. Algerian football is represented through Ibrahim Maza, USM Alger, and CR Belouizdad. The ten-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or Africain includes Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, Ismaël Saibari, Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Gueye, Amad Diallo, Yoane Wissa, Antoine Semenyo, and Teboho Mokoena. Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 winner, is seeking to become the first player to defend the title since Mohamed Salah in 2018.

In youth football, Rylès Trouba has reportedly chosen to represent Algeria over France. The defensive midfielder, who previously played for the France U16 team, has joined the Algerian squad for the upcoming UNAF tournament in Tunisia. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2027. The Algerian side, managed by Karim Ziani, is scheduled to begin competition against Morocco on November 10.