Algeria's World Cup opener spoiled by errors from Zinedine Zidane’s son

World Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start on Tuesday (16) after two costly errors from goalkeeper Luca Zidane gifted Argentina a 3-0 victory. The 28-year-old son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane was making his eighth international appearance for Les Fennecs but could not replicate his recent heroics against the powerhouse South American side.

The shot-stopper had previously put in a stellar performance during Algeria's World Cup build-up, pulling off six crucial saves to keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over the Netherlands on June 3. However, his form crumbled against Argentina, where his two mistakes directly handed Lionel Messi a brace, allowing the Argentines to run away with a comfortable three-goal win.

Born in France, Zidane represented the country at the youth level before switching his international allegiance in 2025. He qualifies to play for the North African nation through his grandparents' birthplace, following in the footsteps of his father, who famously guided Les Bleus to their first World Cup trophy on home soil in 1998. Algeria must now quickly regroup as they prepare to face Jordan and Austria next in Group J.

Speaking about his decision to play for the national team, Zidane said: “We’ve lived in an Algerian culture since we were small. It’s an honour to play for Algeria. The final decision was mine, but I spoke with my family, my parents, my brothers, my grandfather. My father was happy, he knew it was something I wanted to do. To be able to play in a World Cup is a dream for any kid.”