Algeria’s national football team stands tantalizingly close to securing their place at the 2026 World Cup, with the Desert Foxes currently leading their qualification group and needing just three more points from their final two matches to confirm their spot at the tournament.
Current World Cup Qualification Status
Algeria sits comfortably atop Group G in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 19 points from eight matches, maintaining a commanding four-point advantage over second-placed Uganda and Mozambique, who both have 15 points. The team’s impressive qualifying campaign has seen them win six matches, draw one, and lose just once, whilst scoring 19 goals and conceding only seven.
The most recent fixtures saw Algeria secure a hard-fought 3-1 victory against Botswana on 4 September 2025, followed by a goalless draw away to Guinea on 8 September 2025. These results have put the Fennecs within touching distance of automatic World Cup qualification, with crucial matches against Somalia on 9 October and Uganda on 14 October 2025 set to determine their fate.
Team Performance Under Vladimir Petkovic
Since taking charge in February 2024, Swiss-born coach Vladimir Petkovic has transformed Algeria into a formidable force. The 62-year-old former Switzerland national team manager, who guided the Swiss to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, has instilled his attacking philosophy into the Algerian squad.
Petkovic’s tactical approach emphasises high-pressure attacking football with multiple players involved in offensive phases, whilst maintaining disciplined defensive organisation when out of possession. This style has proven highly effective in qualification, with Algeria maintaining an unbeaten run in their last 19 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and demonstrating remarkable consistency.
Star Players Leading the Charge
The current Algeria squad boasts exceptional talent across all positions. Captain Riyad Mahrez continues to lead by example despite being 34 years old, providing creativity and experience from his position at Saudi club Al-Ahli. The former Manchester City and Leicester City winger remains Algeria’s talisman, having scored 32 goals in 102 appearances for his country.
Mohamed Amoura has emerged as Algeria’s most potent attacking threat in the current qualifying campaign, netting six goals in eight appearances and contributing three assists. The 25-year-old VfL Wolfsburg forward has formed a deadly partnership with Baghdad Bounedjah, who has scored three goals in four appearances during qualification.
Amine Gouiri, the 25-year-old Marseille striker, has also made significant contributions with one goal and one assist in seven appearances. The attacking trio’s chemistry has been crucial to Algeria’s success, providing the goals needed to secure vital victories.
Defensive Stability and Squad Depth
Algeria’s defensive unit, marshalled by experienced centre-back Aïssa Mandi, has been remarkably solid throughout the qualification campaign. The 33-year-old Lille defender brings Premier League experience and leadership to the backline, having made 105 appearances for his country.
Ramy Bensebaini, the Borussia Dortmund left-back, provides both defensive solidity and attacking threat down the flank. His versatility and pace have made him an integral part of Petkovic’s tactical setup.
The midfield is anchored by experienced players like Nabil Bentaleb and Ramiz Zerrouki, who provide the perfect balance between defensive stability and creative distribution.
FIFA World Ranking Position
Algeria currently sits 38th in the FIFA world rankings as of September 2025, maintaining their position as the fourth-ranked African nation behind Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt. This ranking reflects their consistent performances over recent years and positions them among the continent’s elite footballing nations.
Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Qualification
Beyond their World Cup aspirations, Algeria has already secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The team finished top of Group E in the qualifiers, accumulating 16 points whilst maintaining an unbeaten record and scoring 16 goals whilst conceding just two.
Their AFCON qualification campaign concluded with a commanding 5-1 victory over Liberia, showcasing the attacking prowess that has become synonymous with Petkovic’s Algeria. This will mark their seventh consecutive AFCON appearance and their 21st overall participation in the continental championship.
Connection to British Football
Algeria maintains strong connections to British football through several players with Premier League experience. The most notable is Riyad Mahrez, whose remarkable journey from Leicester City’s Championship-winning side to their historic Premier League triumph in 2015-16 captured British football fans’ imagination. He later became a key player in Manchester City’s dominance, winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Rayan Aït-Nouri recently joined Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £42 million deal, highlighting the continued flow of Algerian talent to England’s top flight. Other notable Algerian players who have graced British football include Moussa Saib at Tottenham and Adlene Guedioura, who represented multiple Premier League clubs.
Upcoming Crucial Fixtures
Algeria’s immediate focus centres on their remaining World Cup qualification matches. The team will host Somalia at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran on 9 October 2025, before facing Uganda at the newly inaugurated Houari Boumediene Stadium in Tizi Ouzou on 14 October 2025.
These fixtures represent Algeria’s clearest path to World Cup qualification, with victory in either match likely to secure their place at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The mathematical superiority means Algeria needs just three points from these six available to confirm their automatic qualification.
Fan Support and Cultural Impact
Algerian football supporters, known for their passionate backing of the Desert Foxes, have maintained unwavering support throughout the qualification campaign. The team’s success provides a welcome distraction from domestic political challenges, uniting the nation behind their footballing heroes.
The diaspora community, particularly in France and the UK, has consistently demonstrated their devotion to the national team. Their celebrations following crucial victories have sometimes made headlines across Europe, showcasing the profound emotional connection between Algerians worldwide and their national team.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Should Algeria secure World Cup qualification, they would return to football’s grandest stage for the fifth time in their history. Their previous World Cup appearances include memorable campaigns in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014. The 1982 tournament remains particularly significant, as Algeria defeated West Germany in one of the World Cup’s greatest upsets.
Under Petkovic’s guidance, this Algeria squad possesses the tactical discipline, individual talent, and collective spirit necessary to make a significant impact at the 2026 World Cup. The blend of experienced campaigners like Mahrez and emerging talents such as Amoura provides an ideal foundation for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position is Algeria in World Cup qualifying?
Algeria leads Group G with 19 points from eight matches, four points ahead of second-placed Uganda and Mozambique, putting them in an excellent position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Who is Algeria’s current coach?
Vladimir Petkovic, the former Switzerland national team manager, has been Algeria’s head coach since February 2024. The 62-year-old Swiss coach previously guided Switzerland to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
Has Algeria qualified for AFCON 2025?
Yes, Algeria has already secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, finishing top of Group E with an unbeaten record.
What is Algeria’s current FIFA ranking?
Algeria is ranked 38th in the world according to the latest FIFA rankings released in September 2025, making them the fourth-highest ranked African nation.
When are Algeria’s next World Cup qualifying matches?
Algeria plays Somalia away on 9 October 2025, followed by a home match against Uganda on 14 October 2025. These fixtures will likely determine their World Cup qualification fate.
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