Why Zidane’s Son Luca Chose Algeria Over France at the 2026 World Cup
· YEN.com.gh News · Join- Luca Zidane switched his international allegiance from France to Algeria ahead of the 2026 World Cup
- FIFA rules allowed the goalkeeper to change nations after only representing Les Bleus' youth teams
- The son of Zinedine Zidane will now aim to create his own World Cup story while representing Algeria
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Luca Zidane represents Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, not France, after the Granada goalkeeper changed his international allegiance through his family roots.
The 28-year-old is the son of France and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and has been included in Algeria’s squad for football’s biggest tournament.
His selection has naturally raised a major question: why is the son of one of France’s greatest-ever footballers representing North Africa instead?
Source: Getty Images
Zinedine Zidane's son Luca representing Algeria
The player at the centre of the story is Luca Zidane, a goalkeeper currently playing for Granada in Spain.
Stay ahead of the gist. Join YEN’s WhatsApp channel for instant updates!
He is Zinedine Zidane’s second son and developed through Real Madrid’s academy before beginning his senior career in Spanish football.
Algeria named him in their World Cup squad alongside goalkeepers Oussama Benbot and Melvin Mastil, with Riyad Mahrez leading the team as captain.
The decision adds another major storyline to Algeria’s World Cup campaign, with the North African side drawn in Group J alongside Argentina, Austria and Jordan.
FIFA rules allow Luca Zidane to represent Algeria
Luca Zidane, who has been suspended by CAF, was born in France and previously represented the country at youth level, but those appearances did not permanently tie him to the French senior national team.
FIFA regulations allow players to change their international allegiance in certain situations, with the organisation’s Change of Association Platform handling approved switches between national teams.
Luca’s eligibility for Algeria comes from his family background: his father Zinedine Zidane’s parents were of Algerian heritage, giving him a direct connection to the country.
Because he had only played for France’s youth teams and had not made a competitive appearance for the senior side, he remained eligible to switch associations.
Source: Getty Images
Why Luca Zidane did not choose France
The simple explanation is that Luca chose Algeria once the opportunity became available.
France played a major role in his early development, and he was part of the youth setup that won the 2015 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
However, youth international football is different from senior football.
Since he had not established himself with France’s senior team, he was able to pursue another national side where he qualified.
The decision was also influenced by personal identity and family connection.
Luca has previously spoken about the importance of his Algerian roots and the influence of his grandfather.
Speaking to Reuters previously, he said:
“When I think of Algeria, I remember my grandfather. Since childhood, we’ve had this Algerian culture in the family.
“I spoke to him before playing for the national team, and he was extremely happy about this step. Every time I receive an international call-up, he calls me and says that I made a great decision and that he is proud of me.”
Source: Getty Images
Luca Zidane’s decision should not simply be viewed as a rejection of France, but rather a footballer choosing the country that connects with his heritage while allowing him to build a senior international career.
The French have enjoyed strong goalkeeping options for years, while Algeria offered Zidane a chance to compete at the World Cup and establish himself on the international stage.
The family name adds another layer of emotion because Zinedine Zidane famously won the 1998 World Cup with France and became one of the country’s greatest sporting icons.
Luca’s journey is set to be different: he carries the legendary Zidane surname, but he will do so while representing Algeria, the nation connected to his family roots.
Zidane joining Algeria's 2026 World Cup journey
Algeria’s return to the World Cup is already significant after missing the tournament since 2014.
Luca Zidane’s inclusion brings even more global attention to the squad, especially with the Fennec Foxes set to face Argentina during the group stage.
For Luca, the tournament represents an opportunity to step away from his father’s legendary France legacy and create an international identity of his own.
The reason Luca Zidane does not play for France is straightforward: his senior international future belongs to Algeria through eligibility, family heritage and personal choice.
Zinedine Zidane supports son at AFCON 2025
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Zinedine Zidane lit up the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat on December 24, 2025, during Algeria's opening match of the 2025 AFCON.
The presence of the former France captain during the clash against Sudan instantly drew attention, adding an emotional layer to the already significant continental evening.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh