Luca Zidane’s World Cup debut did not go according to plan. The Algeria goalkeeper could have done more to stop Argentina’s goals, particularly Lionel Messi’s second strike, and quickly found himself under intense scrutiny after the Desert Warriors’ disappointing opening defeat. Even so, Algeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup Round of 32 remain alive.

Petkovic stands by his goalkeeper

Much of the attention after the loss centered on the 28-year-old French-Algerian goalkeeper. Calls for a change between the posts dominated the buildup to Algeria’s crucial matchup against Jordan, with many supporters questioning whether Zidane should keep his place.

The criticism has been fueled in part by his lack of international experience. Zidane has made only eight appearances for Algeria, a relatively small number for a player starting on soccer’s biggest stage.

Head coach Vladimir Petkovic, however, made it clear he has no intention of abandoning his goalkeeper.

“Everyone has the right to make mistakes. I have great faith in his abilities,” Petkovic said.

Barring a late surprise, Zidane is expected to remain Algeria’s starting goalkeeper against Jordan. He will also continue wearing the protective face mask he has used since suffering a fractured jaw while playing for Granada against Almería in the Spanish second division.

Petkovic also dismissed the growing criticism surrounding his goalkeeper and insisted his focus is solely on earning the three points that would keep Algeria’s World Cup hopes alive.

“I don’t read any of the supposed criticism. I don’t have social media accounts,” the coach said.

A chance to silence the critics

The game against Jordan represents a major opportunity for Zidane to reestablish himself as Algeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and justify the decision that brought him to this World Cup.

The Granada keeper represented France at youth level before officially switching his international allegiance to Algeria in October 2025. He impressed during the Africa Cup of Nations with a series of strong performances, but now finds himself trying to bounce back after an untimely setback, conceding a hat trick to Messi in his World Cup debut.

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