Algeria have added OGC Nice midfielder Ramy Benkhiat to their preparations for the Fifa U17 World Cup, with the former France U16 international named in Amine Ghimouz’s latest squad.

The 17-year-old, born on 28 January 2009, is among 23 players selected for a training camp running from 23 October to 1 November. The group is preparing for the tournament in Qatar, which takes place from 19 November to 13 December.

Benkhiat came through the French youth set-up and was called up to the France U16 team in August 2024. He has now opted to represent Algeria and will have the opportunity to make his first appearance for the country at youth level.

The Nice midfielder has made an impression with his attacking contributions for the club’s academy sides. During the 2025-2026 campaign, he played 17 matches in the U17 National Championship, starting 16 of them, and recorded six goals and three assists.

He has also made his first appearances for Nice’s U19 team. The Ligue 1 club highlighted his impact after he scored the opening goal against Lyon-La Duchere in September 2025. Several weeks later, he was on target again in a match against Saint-Priest.

His inclusion gives Algeria another attacking option as the team completes its preparations for the World Cup. However, his place in the final squad for the tournament has yet to be confirmed.

Algeria’s World Cup preparations

Algeria secured their place at the U17 World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Since then, the team have held several camps and played a series of international fixtures, including a preparation tournament in Croatia.

Ghimouz’s latest selection includes players based in Algeria and abroad. Paradou AC, USM Alger and ASO Chlef are among the domestic clubs represented.

The overseas contingent includes Bilal Daaou of Eintracht Francfort, Rayane Wassim Zidane of Bayer Leverkusen, Haroun Seriket and Melwane Zaidi of FC Bale, and Ilyes Mekkaoui of FC Volendam.

Benkhiat’s experience in the French U17 National Championship and his record in front of goal strengthen Algeria’s options before the tournament. The young Fennecs will continue their preparations during the camp before travelling to Qatar for the competition.