Algeria Squad Boost: Two New Faces Expected to Join Desert Warriors

Belghali & Chergui drafted in as Desert Warriors prepare for Somalia and Uganda

Algeria Squad Boost: Two New Faces Expected to Join Desert Warriors

Algeria's squad for next international season's expected to include 2 new name according to a report published in the Algerian newspaper "Competition"

Who Are the Newcomers?

Right back Rafik Belghali of Serie A side Hellas Verona & central defender Samir Chergui from Paris FC are expected to be called up by coach Vladimir Petkovic.

Belghali comes in to replace Mohamed Fares who recently underwent pelvic surgery and will be sidelined for at least 2 month.

Meanwhile Chergui's viewed as a key option to strengthen Algeria’s fragile backline.

Le latéral droit, Rafik Belghali, est pré-convoqué en équipe d'#Algérie. Auteur d'un bon début de saison avec Hellas Vérone, le natif de Louvain en Belgique est un profil capable d'apporter de la concurrence à Youcef Atal dont la fiabilité physique est inquiétante. pic.twitter.com/VwBiemvmH5

— Nabil Djellit (@Nabil_djellit) September 29, 2025

EN : Samir Chergui est bien dans les plans de Petkovic ! 👉 https://t.co/hQWbc9b0qQpic.twitter.com/8k4U78WH6G

— DZfoot (@DZfoot) September 24, 2025

Profiles of the Duo

Belghali, 29, joined Verona this summer from Belgian club Mechelen in 2 million euro move. He's played 8 match across competitions this season while his career record stands at 97 game, 10 goal and 6 assist.

Chergui, 25, is product of Auxerre’s youth academy & moved to Paris FC in 2020 on free transfer. He's made 5 Ligue 2 appearances this term and 148 career outings overall contributing to 6 goal between scoring and assisting.

What’s at Stake?

The Desert Warriors sit top of Group G in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World cup with 19 point, 4 clear of nearest challengers Uganda.

October’s double header against Somalia & Uganda could all but seal their ticket to the finals.