Why does Mohamed Salem play for Algeria?

Born in Oran, Algeria · Citizenship: Algeria, France

Short answer

Mohamed Salem plays for Algeria because he holds Algerian nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 1963).

Birthplace and citizenship

Mohamed Salem was born in Algeria; holds Algeria and France citizenship.

International career path

His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:

  • Algeria — senior level, 1963–1968

The rules in brief

A player can represent a country if they hold its nationality and have a genuine link to it: birth on its territory, a parent or grandparent born there, or several years of residency. Youth matches do not tie a player to a country. Since 2020, FIFA also lets a player switch once after a small number of senior appearances (no more than three, all before turning 21, none at a World Cup or continental finals) after a three-year wait.

Read our full guide to FIFA eligibility rules →

Frequently asked questions

Why does Mohamed Salem play for Algeria?

Mohamed Salem holds Algerian nationality and chose to represent Algeria at senior level.

Where was Mohamed Salem born?

Mohamed Salem was born in Oran, Algeria.

What nationality is Mohamed Salem?

Wikidata lists Mohamed Salem as a citizen of Algeria and France.