According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday November 5, 2026, Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been dropped from the national team squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Togo.

The decision was confirmed by Algeria head coach Brahim Hemdani, who explained that the goalkeeper's omission was based on sporting criteria.

Luca Zidane has missed recent matches due to an injury and a two-game suspension, which have affected his recent involvement in competitive football.

However, Hemdani insisted that his decision to leave the 28-year-old out of the squad was not solely connected to those setbacks.

Speaking to journalists, the Algeria coach explained that he wanted to select three goalkeepers who were getting regular playing time at their respective clubs.

"I need to have three goalkeepers who were getting as much playing time as possible," Hemdani said.

Following Zidane's exclusion, the coach has called up Oussama Benbot of USM Alger, Melvin Mastil of Swiss club Lausanne-Sport and Abdelatif Ramdane of MC Alger.

The three goalkeepers will now have the opportunity to represent Algeria in the two qualifying fixtures against Togo.

Zidane's omission is another development in his international career after he decided to represent Algeria despite previously being eligible to play for France.

The goalkeeper, who is the son of former France international and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, switched his international sporting nationality in September 2025.

His decision to represent Algeria was influenced by his family's roots in the North African country.

The move attracted considerable attention because of his father's legendary status in world football and his achievements with the French national team, including winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

However, Luca's latest omission demonstrates that he still has to compete for his position in the Algerian national team.

With Hemdani emphasising the importance of regular club appearances, the goalkeeper will need to return to action and convince the coaching staff that he deserves another opportunity.

Meanwhile, Benbot, Mastil and Ramdane will look to make the most of their selection as Algeria prepare for their AFCON qualifying encounters against Togo.