Algeria has secured its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their fifth appearance at the tournament and their first since 2014. Known as "Les Fennecs" (The Desert Foxes), Algeria finished at the top of Group G in the CAF qualifying matches, winning eight of ten matches.
Key Players
Riyad Mahrez remains a pivotal figure for Algeria. With experience from the Premier League and the AFC Champions League, Mahrez's playmaking and scoring abilities are crucial to Algeria's success. Mohamed Amoura is another key player, finishing as the top scorer in the World Cup qualifying stage with 10 goals. Rayan Aït-Nouri, who plays for Manchester City, brings valuable experience from top-flight football, offering strong ball-carrying skills and defensive versatility. Other notable players include Yassine Benzia and Amine Gouiri.
The Roster
The Algerian squad includes a mix of experienced players and promising talents. Vladimir Petkovic, the head coach, has emphasized selecting the best players available.
Goalkeepers: Farid Chaâl, Rayane Yesli, and Mohamed Idir Hadid.
Defenders: Youcef Atal, Abdelkader Bedrane, Réda Halaïmia, Mohamed Amine Tougai, Achref Abada, and Reda Benchaa.
Midfielders: Sofiane Bendebka, Zakaria Draoui, Victor Lekhal, and Houssem Eddine Mrezigue.
Forwards: Adil Boulbina and Yassine Benzia.
World Cup History
Algeria has qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, and 2026. Their best performance was in 2014, where they reached the Round of 16. In the 1982 World Cup, Algeria recorded a memorable 2-1 victory against West Germany, marking the first time an African nation defeated a European team in the tournament. At the 2014 World Cup, they advanced from the group stage for the first time, eventually losing to Germany in extra time. Algeria also became the first African team to score four goals in a World Cup match, achieving this feat against South Korea in 2014.
The Road to 2026
Algeria's qualification for the 2026 World Cup was secured with a 3-0 victory over Somalia. The goals were scored by Mohamed Amoura (two goals) and Riyad Mahrez. This win ensured Algeria finished top of Group G, earning them a spot in the finals.
Looking Ahead
Drawn into Group J, Algeria will face Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. The team is aiming to build on their past performances and make a significant impact at the 2026 World Cup. Coached by Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria hopes to replicate their success in the Africa Cup of Nations and showcase their talent on the global stage.
Algeria's participation in the 2026 World Cup is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see if "Les Fennecs" can surpass their previous achievements and make a deep run in the tournament.
