Luca Zidane beams with pride after choosing Algeria over France

The 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper was born in France and represented the nation's youth teams but has now pledged his allegiance to Algeria - the country of his grandparents.

"I'm very happy to be here. It makes me proud, and I'll give 100 percent to make the Algerian people proud," said the shot-stopper during a press conference in Oran as quoted by SuperSport.

"All my family support me. My grandfather is especially happy that I've made this decision."

Zidane officially switched his sporting nationality last month and was rewarded with a first call-up to Vladimir Petkovic's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

While his father lifted the 1998 World Cup with France, Luca insists his story will be his own.

"My father had his journey, his career. As for me, I have my own path," he added.

Algeria could become the fourth African nation to seal qualification for the 2026 tournament if they secure victory over Somalia. Zidane says the team's immediate focus is on getting the job done.

"Our first goal is tomorrow - to beat Somalia and qualify for the World Cup," he said.

Zidane's decision marks a proud moment for Algerian football, as another talented player embraces his roots to strengthen the Desert Foxes' World Cup ambitions.