FIFA World Cup 2026: All to know about Algeria

Identity card
Nickname: Les Fennecs or Les Verts
Federation: Algerian Football Federation (FAF)
FIFA Ranking (April/May 2026): 28th in the world (4th African)
Coach: Vladimir Petković (62, Switzerland/Bosnia)
Iconic captain: Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli SC)
History in the World Cup: 5th participation (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, 2026). Best result: Round of 16 in 2014.
The qualification process: a return to sovereign strength ahead of Uganda
Placed in Group G of the African qualifiers alongside Uganda, Mozambique, Guinea, Botswana and Somalia, Algeria has perfectly assumed its favorite status to avoid the play-offs. The Fennecs validated their direct ticket by finishing at the top of the group with 25 points, leaving Uganda in second place (18 points).

The ticket for North American soil was officially stamped on the 9th day in Oran. In front of a cheering public, Petković’s men signed a clear and flawless success (3-0) against Somalia thanks to a double from Mohamed Amine Amoura and a goal by captain Riyad Mahrez, sealing the return of Algeria at the world’s top level.

The coach: Vladimir Petković, the tactician of renewal

At 62, Vladimir Petković has fulfilled his main mission: to put Algeria back on the world stage. Enthroned in 2024 to succeed the era of Djamel Belmadi, the former Nati coach has imposed his mark by building a team resolutely focused on the offensive, even if it means accepting a certain defensive imbalance.

The Helvéto-Bosnian technician showed audacity by shaking up the established hierarchy, pushing aside some historical executives like Bounedjah to integrate massively young talents, while maintaining his confidence in the boss Riyad Mahrez to guide the transition. His pre-tournament speech reflects his ambitions:

«Algeria is returning to the World Cup after too long an absence. We are going with great humility in the face of the giants that await us, but with a firm intention to prove that our football has its place among the most competitive nations on the planet.”

The players selected for their return to the World Cup
The list drawn up by Vladimir Petković is based on a skillful mix of European experience, executives from the Gulf and rising promises of international football.

Keepers

Luca Zidane (SD Eibar – Spain)
Oussama Benbot (USM Alger – Algeria)
Melvin Mastil (Lausanne-Sport – Switzerland)

Defenders

Aïssa Mandi (Lille – France)
Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund – Germany)
Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City – England)
Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys – Switzerland)
Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona – Italy)
Samir Chergui (Paris FC – France)
Zineddine Belaïd (JS Kabylie – Algeria)
Achref Abada (USM Algiers – Algeria)
Mohamed Amine Tougai (ES Tunis – Tunisia)

Midfielders

Nabil Bentaleb (Lille – France)
Hicham Boudaoui (Nice – France)
Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad – Saudi Arabia)
Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt – Germany)
Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen – Germany)
Yacine Titraoui (Charleroi – Belgium)
Ramiz Zerrouki (FC Twente – Netherlands)

Attackers

Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli SC – Saudi Arabia)
Mohamed Amine Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg – Germany)
Amine Gouiri (Olympique de Marseille – France)
Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord – Netherlands)
Nadhir Benbouali (Győr – Hungary)
Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail – Qatar)
Farès Ghedjemis (Frosinone – Italy)

Three players to watch
1. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli SC)

The captain and technical leader offers himself one last last last hurrah on the world’s biggest stage. At 35, his experience of major events, his knowledge of the past and his natural authority will be essential to supervise a strongly rejuvenated group and infuse it with the necessary serenity under the pressure of a World Cup.

2. Mohamed Amine Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg)

He was the real dynamiter of the qualifying campaign, scoring 8 goals and 5 assists alone. At 25 years old, the Wolfsburg striker is shaking up the scorers with his devastating turn of foot and his flair for goal. He will be the main offensive danger for the Fennecs, who are particularly formidable in rapid transition phases.

3. Luca Zidane (SD Eibar)

It is the great media attraction and the strong choice of Vladimir Petković to secure the Algerian cages. The goalkeeper, son of the illustrious Zinédine Zidane, is about to play his first major international competition under the colors of Algeria.

The probable model team (4-2-3-1)
L. Zidane – Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri – Boudaoui, Chaïbi – Mahrez, Aouar, Maza – Amoura.

The group and the opponents at the World Cup (Group J)
The draw reserved a particularly high program for Algeria, which will play its pool matches in the United States.

Algeria vs Argentina (Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City): The opening clash and the absolute baptism of fire. The Fennecs will immediately challenge the Albiceleste, reigning world champion, for a match that promises to be historic.
Algeria vs Jordan (Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington/Dallas): The match that could determine the next steps for the Greens in this World Cup. Against Jordanians who are just discovering the world tournament, all three points will be imperative.
Algeria vs Austria (Sunday, June 28, 2026 – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City): A duel against a physical and rigorous Austrian block that will, in all likelihood, determine the fate of the Fennecs for a place in the last 16.