A 20-year-old born in Berlin to Algerian and Vietnamese parents, who came up through the German youth system and now plays for the reigning Bundesliga champions, will suit up for Algeria this summer. Ibrahim Maza’s path to the 2026 World Cup is about as straightforward as a three-language family dinner.

Maza, who transferred to Bayer Leverkusen on July 1, 2025, has committed to the Algerian national team for the FIFA World Cup in North America. He made his senior debut for Algeria in October 2024, closing the door on two other international options and cementing one of the more fascinating identity stories heading into the tournament.

From Hertha to Leverkusen to the world stage

His debut Bundesliga season with Leverkusen produced 5 goals and 6 assists across 43 appearances. The numbers earned him multiple Rookie of the Month awards throughout the 2025/26 campaign. They also attracted serious attention from England’s top flight.

Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham have all reportedly shown interest. Arsenal went furthest, with a reported bid of around €40 million in April 2026. Leverkusen, who signed Maza to a deal running through June 30, 2030, appear to be in no rush to sell. His current market value sits at €45 million.

Why Algeria, and why it matters

Born on November 24, 2005, in Berlin, Maza was eligible to represent three different nations: Germany, Algeria, and Vietnam. He chose Algeria, with that decision finalized when he earned his first senior cap in October 2024.

For Algeria specifically, the timing is significant. The team is heading into a World Cup group that includes Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. Argentina, the reigning world champions through 2022 and Copa America holders, represent the kind of opponent that makes neutral fans tune in and opposing coaches lose sleep.

The bigger picture for football’s identity map

Look at what Morocco accomplished at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, reaching the semifinals with a squad heavily populated by players born and raised in Europe. Algeria is clearly hoping to follow a similar blueprint. Maza, trained in Germany’s youth development system and battle-tested in the Bundesliga, fits that mold perfectly.

What to watch this summer

A strong showing against Argentina or Austria could push his transfer value well beyond the current €45 million mark. The reported €40 million bid from Arsenal came before the World Cup. Leverkusen’s contract leverage, with four years still remaining on his deal, means they can afford to be patient regardless.