Algeria‘s goalkeeper Luca Zidane has received a two-match suspension on Wednesday due to on-field altercations following his team’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations. However, he is expected to be available to compete against Lionel Messi and Argentina in the upcoming World Cup.
The Algerian Football Federation announced plans to appeal the sanctions, which not only affect Zidane but also defender Rafik Belghali, who has also been suspended for two games, with an additional two-game suspension deferred. Zidane, the 27-year-old son of legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane, and Belghali will serve these bans during the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Algeria’s qualifying campaign set to commence in September.
Following Algeria’s quarterfinal defeat by Nigeria on January 10 in Marrakech, Morocco, the players and coaching staff were involved in confrontations on the pitch.
Referee Issa Sy was escorted off the field for his safety due to the reactions from the upset Algeria camp.
The Algerian federation reported a total of $100,000 in fines, covering misconduct charges from players and staff, fans attempting to breach security barriers, and fans displaying banknotes towards the match officials during the game.
In the upcoming 2026 World Cup, Algeria will kick off against reigning champions Argentina in Kansas City on June 16. They are also grouped with Austria and Jordan.