This is the main theme of the Algerian press before the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Switzerland: goalkeepers. If for the Nati, there is not the slightest doubt that Gregor Kobel will defend the cage, the situation is much more nebulous among the Fennecs.
Vladimir Petkovic has already used two goalkeepers during the group stage. Luca Zidane played against Argentina and Jordan and Oussama Benbot played in the last match against Austria, without making a single save. As for Zinédine Zidane’s son, he showed no guarantee during his two tenures.
Little international experience
These poor performances could smile on Melvin Mastil, a well-known man in Switzerland. Some rumors from Algerian media raise the possibility that Vladimir Petkovic will launch the next Lausanne-Sport goalkeeper, who spent the last two seasons at Stade Nyonnais, in the Challenge League, into the deep end.
The native of Thonon-les-Bains has the advantage of knowing the Swiss game and certain players on the Swiss team since he has been playing in the country since his youth. On the other hand, his international experience is very weak. Melvin Mastil only has 2 selections with the Greens: a start against Guatemala (7-0, March 27) and a half-time against Bolivia (4-0, June 11).
Given these circumstances, would it be a good idea for Vladimir Petkovic to create a surprise by fielding the LS goalkeeper? No, according to Thierry Barnerat. “In my opinion, he does not have the level required to start a World Cup round of 16,” he told Watson Thibaut Courtois’ personal analyst and goalkeeper expert for FIFA.
The latter believes that the level of the Spanish D2, where Luca Zidane plays, is much higher and close to the world elite than that of the Swiss second division. Even Melvin Mastil admits it. “We have to be realistic, there is a real gap between the Challenge League and the international level,” he explained to 20 Minutes before the World Cup.
Who will start against Switzerland on Friday at 5 a.m. in Vancouver, Luca Zidane, Oussama Benbot or Melvin Mastil? Vladimir Petkovic still has a few hours to solve a puzzle that never presented itself to him when he led the Nati, as Yann Sommer was beyond reproach.
