Algeria goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea ruled out of 2026 World Cup
Algeria's preparations for the 2026 World Cup have suffered a significant setback with the news that goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea will miss the tournament due to injury. According to Ouest-France, the Stade Malherbe Caen player dislocated his shoulder during a training session on April 13 and has since undergone surgery. Caen coach Gaël Clichy confirmed the severity of the situation in a press conference, stating, "It's finished for the World Cup. He has accepted it, there's not much to be done."
Mandrea, who was born in Grasse, France, has earned 21 caps for Algeria. His international involvement had recently been revived after he was included in the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, stepping in following an injury to Alexis Guendouz. This call-up marked a return to the national team setup for Mandrea, who had spent over a year watching matches from home after his club's relegation to the French third tier, the National.
The injury represents another blow to Algeria's depth in goal, a position that has seen considerable instability. During the recent AFCON, Mandrea found himself behind Luca Zidane in the selection hierarchy, though Zidane's performances did not fully convince. Mandrea's forced withdrawal adds to the absence of Melvin Mastil, while first-choice goalkeeper Guendouz has been relegated to the bench at his club, MC Alger. Furthermore, third-choice keeper Oussama Benbot has since retired from international football, leaving coach Vladimir Petković with limited options.
Petković now faces a pressing dilemma less than two years from the World Cup, with a need to establish a reliable number one and build a cohesive defensive unit. Mandrea's injury, expected to require a lengthy rehabilitation, also impacts his club situation at Caen as they continue their campaign in the National league. The 27-year-old's absence from the global tournament is a personal disappointment after his recent return to the international fold, and it compounds a growing crisis for Algeria between the posts as they plan for their World Cup campaign in North America.
