World Cup 2026: Algeria can reach the round of 16 again

Being among the top 8 third-placed teams, Algeria has reached the second round at the 2026 World Cup. Now, to get past this stage, Riyad Mahrez and his teammates must eliminate the Nati.

Algeria aiming to repeat the 2014 feat in Brazil

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was Algeria's best run in this competition. Despite their opening (2-1) defeat to Belgium, the Algerian team bounced back by getting 4 points in Group H, with a victory (4-2) over South Korea and a draw (1-1) against Russia. With 4 points, the Fennecs finished second and qualified for the round of 16.

In the round of 16 against Germany, Algeria delivered their most accomplished performance in that World Cup. The future world champions, the German team, really struggled before overcoming the Fennecs. The Algerians held their own against the Nationalmannschaft before finally conceding in extra time (2-1). Mesut Özil dealt the fatal blow to the Algerians in the 119th minute.

The Fennecs, to eliminate Switzerland and return to the round of 16

In recent years, Algeria has gradually been regaining its level. The team went out in the group stage at AFCON in 2021 and 2023. Quarter-finalists at the last Africa Cup of Nations, the Algerian team has returned to the World Cup. Even better, they have reached the second round. All of this since the arrival of Vladimir Petkovic as coach, replacing Djamel Belmadi.

Algeria, with 4 points just like in 2014, will indeed be present in the round of 32. Their opponent: Switzerland, a team that coach Petkovic knows very well. The coach managed the Nati between 2014 and 2021.

Algeria has a real task ahead. Facing them is Switzerland, the leader of Group B with 7 points. The Nati is a complete team with quality players such as Manuel Akanji, Breel Embolo, Granit Xhaka... Despite Switzerland's attacking strength, Petkovic believes in qualification.

"We are focusing on our strengths and weaknesses, not those of our opponent. We want to keep going in this competition. We still need to improve, especially when it comes to our collective organization and communication between players. There is no such thing as an easy match at the World Cup. Whatever the opponent, there are always difficulties. We know that Switzerland are the favorites, but we will do everything to earn our qualification." said the Fennecs' coach.

Recovering defensive solidity

Defense has clearly been the Fennecs' weak point since the start of the 2026 World Cup. To go far in the competition, Petkovic must make adjustments in this area. And it starts right from the round of 32 matchup against Switzerland.

After the three group J matches at the 2026 World Cup, Algeria has conceded 7 goals: 3 against Argentina, 1 against Jordan, and 3 against Austria. As for Switzerland, they have shown solidity at the back with only 3 goals conceded. Offensively, the Nati has impressed by scoring 7 goals, including 4 against Bosnia-Herzegovina on matchday 2. Holding off Switzerland’s attacking raids and being efficient up front: that's the equation the Fennecs must solve to qualify for the last 16.