CdM 2026: Luca Zidane breaks the silence on pressure and his mental work.

After Algeria's complicated start in the 2026 World Cup, marked by a heavy defeat against Argentina (3-0), Luca Zidane chose to speak on a rarely addressed topic in high-level football: mental preparation.

The goalkeeper of the Greens, particularly exposed after the national team's performance against the world champions, revealed that he has been consulting a sports psychologist to better manage the demands related to his status and the expectations surrounding the Algerian team.

In statements relayed by the British media The Sun, the Algerian keeper explained that this mental work has profoundly transformed his career. "I started working with a mental coach, but until now I had never talked about it. It has changed my life. Today, being mentally strong is as important as being physically ready," he confided.

Indeed, the defeat against Argentina has sparked numerous criticisms from observers and supporters. Several choices made by Vladimir Petkovic have also fueled debates, placing even more pressure on the players ahead of the second day of the tournament.

Son of the global football legend, Zinédine Zidane, Luca also mentioned the influence of his family. Contrary to what many might imagine, it is not his father who analyzes his performances the most. "In my family, we talk a lot about football, but not really with my father. My mother, on the other hand, often asks me why I did this or that action after the matches," he explained humorously.

A few hours before the decisive match against Jordan, scheduled for Tuesday at 4:00 AM (Algerian time), Luca Zidane and his teammates know they can no longer afford to make mistakes. A victory seems essential to revive the Greens' hopes of qualifying for this 2026 World Cup.