Algerian goalkeeper Oussama Benbot has officially announced his retirement from international football, marking a significant shift in the nation’s goalkeeping hierarchy just months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 31-year-old shot-stopper, who plays for USM Alger in Algeria’s top division, confirmed his decision via a press statement shared through Algerian sports media outlets in January 2026. His departure from the national team setup comes after a period where he had fallen behind emerging goalkeepers in the selection pecking order under head coach Vladimir Petkovic.
Benbot’s international career spanned from 2023 to early 2026, during which he earned two caps for the Algeria national team without conceding a goal. His first call-up arrived in May 2023 under former coach Djamel Belmadi for a pair of June friendlies, and he was later included in Algeria’s 26-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast. Despite being named to the tournament roster, he did not feature in any matches as Algeria exited the competition in the group stage. His final appearance for the national team came in January 2026, though specific match details were not disclosed in the available sources.
The announcement follows reports that Benbot had been demoted to third-choice goalkeeper behind Luca Zidane and Anthony Mandrea in the national team setup. Zidane, the son of Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, has established himself as Algeria’s first-choice keeper in recent qualifiers, while Mandrea has emerged as the reliable backup option. This shift in hierarchy reportedly influenced Benbot’s decision to step away from international duties, allowing him to focus on his club career with USM Alger where he continues to wear the number 25 jersey.
Career Path and Domestic Success
Born on October 11, 1994, in Aïn M’lila, Algeria, Benbot began his professional journey with local side AS Aïn M’lila before moving through several Algerian clubs including US Chaouia, USM Bel Abbès, DRB Tadjenanet, and a return to AS Aïn M’lila. His breakthrough came with JS Kabylie, where he made 54 league appearances between 2018 and 2021, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dependable goalkeepers. His performances earned him a move to USM Alger in August 2021, where he has since become a fixture in the starting lineup.
During his time with USM Alger, Benbot has made over 80 appearances across all competitions, contributing to the club’s domestic campaigns in Ligue Professionnelle 1 and continental runs in CAF competitions. He signed a contract extension in August 2023 that runs until 2026, demonstrating the club’s continued faith in his abilities between the posts. Known for his commanding presence, shot-stopping ability, and distribution from the back, Benbot has been praised for his consistency in Algeria’s top flight despite limited opportunities at the international level.
Impact on Algeria’s Goalkeeping Landscape
Benbot’s retirement opens a pathway for younger goalkeepers to gain international experience as Algeria prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and final tournament. With Luca Zidane now firmly entrenched as the starting goalkeeper, the focus shifts to developing depth behind him, particularly as Anthony Mandrea holds the backup role. The vacancy left by Benbot’s departure may prompt coach Vladimir Petkovic to consider other domestic-based goalkeepers or offer extended opportunities to those already in the fringe of the squad.
The decision also reignites discussion about the selection of players from Algeria’s domestic league for national team duty. While Benbot represented a successful case of a locally based player earning international recognition, his eventual demotion and retirement highlight the challenges domestic players face in maintaining their place amid increasing competition from dual nationals and players based in European leagues. Algeria’s football federation has not issued an official statement regarding Benbot’s retirement, but the announcement was widely reported by Algerian sports journalists and verified through multiple local news outlets.
As of January 2026, Benbot remains focused on his club responsibilities with USM Alger, where he aims to help the team challenge for domestic honors and improve their performance in CAF Confederation Cup competitions. His international retirement allows him to concentrate fully on club football without the demands of international travel and camp commitments, potentially extending his peak years at the domestic level.
For continued updates on Algerian football developments and national team selections, readers are encouraged to follow official communications from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and trusted sports news sources covering North African football.