Algeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Algeria are making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2026, having previously participated in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014. Their debut in 1982 was historic: they became the first African team to defeat a European side at a World Cup, beating West Germany 2-1, and the first African team to win two matches at a single tournament. Despite their strong showing, Algeria were controversially eliminated when the final group game between West Germany and Austria produced a result that suited both opponents. Their best finish remains the round of 16 in 2014, where they pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time before losing 2-1.

Qualification

Algeria returned to the World Cup after a twelve-year absence by winning CAF qualifying Group G, which also included Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana, and Somalia. They finished seven points clear of runners-up Uganda, recording eight wins and one draw from ten matches, with only one defeat. Qualification was secured with a 3-0 victory over Somalia on the penultimate matchday in October 2025. Algeria did not need to enter the CAF playoff rounds, qualifying directly as group winners. The campaign represented a significant turnaround for a squad that had failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.

Preparation

Algeria's 2026 World Cup ended in the Round of 32 with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland on 2 July 2026 at BC Place, Vancouver (Embolo 10', Ndoye 46'), despite Algeria holding 56% possession. Mohamed Amoura (hamstring) remained unavailable and did not feature. Coach Vladimir Petkovic said his side were 'punished heavily' for defensive mistakes but called qualifying from the group stage for only the second time in Algeria's history a historic step forward. The elimination triggered a public and media backlash against Petkovic; despite his contract running to 2028, the FAF's federal bureau declined to dismiss or confirm him on 12 July, instead handing his evaluation to a National Technical College chaired by Rabah Saadane, which met on 16 July 2026 at Sidi Moussa to recommend whether he stays or goes. As of 16 July his status remains unresolved.

Latest news

National Technical College meets to decide Petkovic's fate as Algeria coach

· coach

An extraordinary session of the FAF's National Technical College, chaired by former national coach Rabah Saadane, met on 16 July 2026 at Sidi Moussa to review Petkovic's full record since his appointment, focused on the World Cup elimination, and pass recommendations to FAF president Walid Sadi and the federal bureau, who retain the final say.

Petkovic's future left unresolved; FAF hands evaluation to technical commission

· coach

The FAF did not confirm Petkovic's departure, assigning his evaluation to a technical commission with no fixed deadline. Reports say he reconsidered leaving after returning to Switzerland, choosing to stay despite criticism. The FAF acknowledged he met contractual objectives (AFCON quarter-finals, World Cup qualification); contract to July 2028 at EUR160,000/month makes dismissal costly.

Reports of amicable Petkovic-FAF separation after World Cup exit

· coach

Following Algeria's Round of 32 elimination, Algerian outlets reported an amicable Petkovic-FAF agreement to end his contract early, with severance reported as roughly two months' salary; a local coach was said to be preferred, with Hervé Renard and Eric Chelle ruled out. No successor was named; reports were later superseded by the FAF's 12 July decision to defer to a technical commission.

Algeria eliminated from World Cup: lose 2-0 to Switzerland in Round of 32

· matches

Algeria's World Cup ended with a 2-0 Round of 32 defeat to Switzerland at BC Place, Vancouver. Embolo scored in the 10th minute and Ndoye 48 seconds into the second half. Algeria held 56% possession but managed only 0.73 xG to Switzerland's 2.52. Amoura remained out through injury. Petkovic made five second-half substitutions but could not find an equaliser; Switzerland advanced to the last 16.

Petkovic faces four key dilemmas before Algeria vs Switzerland Round of 32

· general

Ahead of the Round of 32 vs Switzerland (July 2, Vancouver), Petkovic has four questions: goalkeeper (Benbot started vs Austria but erred on Arnautovic's opener; Zidane also criticised); Bentaleb's midfield partner (Aouar made two stoppage-time assists vs Austria); Amoura's return from his thigh injury; and a defence that conceded seven group-stage goals, possibly a five-man back line.

Algeria draw 3-3 with Austria in Kansas City thriller to advance as third-place team

· matches

Algeria drew 3-3 with Austria at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. Arnautovic (28') and Sabitzer (55') twice led Austria; Belghali (41') and Mahrez (60') levelled. Mahrez's 90+3' looked decisive before Kalajdzic's 90+6' header levelled. Both advance: Austria Group J runners-up (face Spain), Algeria a best third-place team (face Switzerland, July 2, BC Place Vancouver). Iran eliminated; Amoura out.

Algeria hold technical-tactical session ahead of Austria decider; Amoura still sidelined

· general

Algeria trained at Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, on 24 June in a technical-tactical session. Petkovic and staff continue adjustments ahead of the Austria match. Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg) remains the only absentee on a special recovery programme. Algeria sit among the top 8 best third-place teams; their 3 points (GD -2) keep them inside the qualification cut.

Algeria beat Jordan 2-1 to stay alive in Group J

· matches

Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (att. 68,371). Al-Rashdan gave Jordan the lead (36'). Benbouali headed in from a Mahrez corner (69') and Gouiri added a second from a corner (82', VAR confirmed). Algeria finish MD2 with 3pts (GD -2), level with Austria (GD 0). Jordan eliminated. Decisive match vs Austria: 27 June, Arrowhead Stadium.

Amoura ruled out of Jordan and Austria group matches with thigh injury

· injuries

Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg) sustained a right-thigh hamstring injury in training before the Jordan match and was ruled out of both remaining group games. Medical assessment: ~15 days; could return for a round of 16. He was Algeria's top scorer in WC qualifying (10 goals) but had gone nine matches without a goal before the injury.

Petkovic prioritises mental recovery and team confidence ahead of Jordan must-win

· general

After Algeria's 3-0 defeat to Argentina, Petkovic and staff focused on the mental dimension during the recovery week to restore confidence. Mahrez, Mandi and Bentaleb were tasked with supporting younger squad members through their first World Cup setback. The squad has turned the page and is focused on the Jordan fixture, described as decisive for qualification. No new injury concerns.

FAF files official complaint to FIFA over two uncalled fouls in Argentina match

· general

The Algerian Football Federation filed an official complaint to FIFA over two incidents by referee Szymon Marciniak in the 0-3 loss to Argentina: Messi's foot on Mandi's calf (32') not punished despite VAR review, and Mac Allister's elbow on Ibrahim Maza's face (74') causing him to collapse, also without a foul. Both were widely criticised.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic appointed for Algeria vs Jordan on June 22

· general

FIFA designated Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the Algeria vs Jordan World Cup 2026 Group J match on June 22 at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara. Vincic had already drawn criticism for missing a serious foul by Morocco's Achraf Hakimi on Brazil's Vinicius Jr in an earlier group fixture. His appointment came days after Algeria's controversial match against Argentina.

Algeria lose 3-0 to Argentina in Group J opener as Messi scores hat-trick

· matches

Algeria lost their Group J opener 3-0 to Argentina at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (att. 69,045). Messi scored a hat-trick (17', 60', 76') to equal Klose's World Cup record (16 goals); Algeria had zero shots on target. Petkovic controversially benched Mahrez from kick-off, bringing him on at 60' when already 2-0 down. Petkovic post-match: 'Class is permanent.' Mandi pledged a bounce-back.

Algeria thrash Bolivia 4-0 in final World Cup warm-up

· matches

Algeria defeated Bolivia 4-0 behind closed doors at Rock Chalk Park, Lawrence, Kansas. Mandi headed in from an Amoura cross (45'); Gouiri added two quick second-half goals (56', 58') and Hadj-Moussa rounded off the scoring (61'). Petkovic rotated the full squad at half-time; Boudaoui and Bensebaini both featured. Algeria kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Ghedjemis and Titraoui unused across both warm-up friendlies

· squad

Fares Ghedjemis and Yacine Titraoui did not receive any playing time in either of Algeria's pre-tournament friendlies (Netherlands and Bolivia). Both remain in the final squad but rank behind other options in their respective positions; Ghedjemis faces stiff competition from Mahrez and Hadj-Moussa, while Titraoui sits behind Bentaleb, Boudaoui, Chaibi and Zerrouki in the midfield pecking order.

Algeria close preparation against Bolivia behind closed doors in Kansas City

· matches

Algeria play their final pre-World Cup warm-up against Bolivia in the Kansas City area on 10 June 2026, kicking off at 19:00 local time (around 02:00 Algerian time on 11 June), behind closed doors with no TV broadcast. Petkovic uses it as the switch to specific preparation, replicating the hot, humid conditions (~32C) expected against Argentina, and plans to rotate minutes.

Algeria complete final training session in Lawrence before Bolivia friendly

· general

Algeria completed their last training session on Tuesday evening, 9 June 2026, at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas, ahead of their final World Cup warm-up against Bolivia. Petkovic ran a tactical session covering defence, midfield and attack. Ramy Bensebaini, rested against the Netherlands, and Hicham Boudaoui both took part and are expected to feature against Bolivia.

Boudaoui returns to training after concussion, set to feature against Bolivia

· injuries

Hicham Boudaoui returned to collective training on Sunday 8 June 2026, confirming his recovery from a head and facial injury sustained on 26 May during the OGC Nice v AS Saint-Etienne playoff. The concussion protocol had kept him out of the return playoff leg and the friendly against the Netherlands. His participation in the Bolivia friendly is no longer in doubt.

Algeria report to their Kansas City base camp ahead of Bolivia send-off

· general

Algeria travelled to the United States to set up their World Cup base camp at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas, 40km west of Kansas City, reporting in on 7 June 2026 with training sessions planned for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. They close preparation against Bolivia in the Kansas City area on 10 June, the eve of the tournament. Lawrence remains their base throughout the Group J first round.

Algeria beat the Netherlands 1-0 in Rotterdam send-off friendly

· matches

Algeria won their final pre-tournament friendly 1-0 away to the Netherlands at De Kuip, Rotterdam, on 3 June 2026. Anis Hadj-Moussa scored the only goal late on with a curling left-footed strike. The Dutch dominated possession and chances but failed to convert; Luca Zidane made several saves on his return from a facial injury.

Algeria close preparation away to the Netherlands in Rotterdam

· matches

Algeria play their final pre-tournament friendly away to the Netherlands at De Kuip, Rotterdam, on 3 June 2026, kicking off at 19:45 Algerian time. It is the first ever meeting between the two nations. Both sides have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup; the Dutch are ranked seventh and Algeria 28th in the FIFA rankings.

Petkovic names final World Cup squad: four new faces, Bennacer and Bounedjah out

· squad

Vladimir Petkovic unveiled Algeria's World Cup squad on 31 May at Baraki, naming 27 players (four goalkeepers, one a standby as only three can register). New: keepers Benbot and Ramdane, defender Tougai and forward Ghedjemis. Dropped: Mandrea, Dorval, Nair. Bennacer, top scorer Bounedjah and Kebbal omitted; Mahrez captains.

Zidane and Bensebaini recover to make the final 27

· injuries

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane (Granada), who had been recovering from a facial fracture, and defender Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), sidelined by a foot injury, both recovered in time and were included in Petkovic's final World Cup squad announced on 31 May 2026.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Luca ZidaneGKGranada CF
Oussama BenbotGKUSM Alger
Melvin MastilGKFC Stade Nyonnais
Abdellatif RamdaneGKMC Alger
Aissa MandiDFLOSC Lille
Ramy BensebainiDFBorussia Dortmund
Rayan Ait-NouriDFManchester City
Rafik BelghaliDFHellas Verona
Zineddine BelaidDFJS Kabylie
Jaouen HadjamDFYoung Boys
Samir CherguiDFParis FC
Achraf AbadaDFUSM Alger
Mohamed Amine TougaiDFES Tunis
Ramiz ZerroukiMFFC Twente
Hicham BoudaouiMFOGC Nice
Yacine TitraouiMFRoyal Charleroi SC
Ibrahim MazaMFBayer Leverkusen
Fares ChaibiMFEintracht Frankfurt
Houssem AouarMFAl-Ittihad
Nabil BentalebMFLOSC Lille
Riyad MahrezFWAl-Ahli SFC
Mohamed AmouraFWVfL Wolfsburg
Amine GouiriFWOlympique Marseille
Anis Hadj-MoussaFWFeyenoord
Adil BoulbinaFWAl-Duhail SC
Fares GhedjemisFWFrosinone Calcio
Nadhir BenboualiFWGyori ETO FC

Recent results

  • 2026-07-02 — SUI 2-0 ALG (round_of_32)
  • 2026-06-27 — ALG 3-3 AUT (group)
  • 2026-06-22 — JOR 1-2 ALG (group)
  • 2026-06-16 — ARG 3-0 ALG (group)
  • 2023-11-16 — ALG 3-1 SOM (qualification)
  • 2023-11-19 — MOZ 0-2 ALG (qualification)
  • 2024-01-05 — TOG 0-3 ALG (friendly)
  • 2024-01-09 — BDI 0-4 ALG (friendly)
  • 2024-06-06 — ALG 1-2 GUI (qualification)
  • 2024-06-10 — UGA 1-2 ALG (qualification)
  • 2025-03-21 — BOT 1-3 ALG (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — ALG 5-1 MOZ (qualification)
  • 2025-06-05 — ALG 2-0 RWA (friendly)
  • 2025-06-09 — ALG 2-0 RWA (friendly)
  • 2025-06-10 — SWE 4-3 ALG (friendly)
  • 2025-09-04 — ALG 3-1 BOT (qualification)
  • 2025-09-08 — GUI 0-0 ALG (qualification)
  • 2025-10-09 — ALG 3-0 SOM (qualification)
  • 2025-10-14 — ALG 2-1 UGA (qualification)
  • 2025-11-13 — ALG 3-1 ZIM (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — KSA 0-2 ALG (friendly)
  • 2026-03-27 — ALG 7-0 GUA (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — ALG 0-0 URU (friendly)
  • 2026-06-03 — NED 0-1 ALG (friendly)
  • 2026-06-10 — BOL 0-4 ALG (friendly)

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