This piece is part of the collaborative effort among top media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Previews from three countries are being published daily as the tournament approaches, set to commence on June 11.
The Strategy Ahead
Algeria stands as one of the World Cup’s intriguing enigmas. On paper, their recent performance is notable, boasting a record of 21 victories, four draws, and only three losses across 28 matches under the guidance of Vladimir Petkovic, with 67 goals scored. However, these results have primarily come against relatively weak opponents. Their qualifying journey was straightforward, facing Guinea and Mozambique—teams regarded as Pot C contenders on the continent—as their toughest challenges.
The most telling assessment of their true capabilities was during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Algeria showcased some of the most captivating football in the tournament. The Fennecs experimented with various formations, utilizing a classic flat four, reinforcing their defense with five players, and even deploying a 4-3-3 setup that featured full-backs Rayan Aït-Nouri and Jaouen Hadjam on the left side. They pressed intensely, controlled the ball effectively, and transitioned smoothly through the lines of defense.
However, everything unraveled in the quarter-finals against Nigeria. Petkovic’s initial lineup fell short, his changes were belated, and questionable officiating compounded the team’s misfortunes, leading to a night where nearly every Algerian player failed to rise to the occasion. The lingering uncertainty is whether this collapse was an isolated incident or indicative of how the team reacts under pressure against stronger opponents. This unanswered question is why Algeria enters the World Cup as an uncertain entity.
Algeria: Group J Matches
June 16 vs Argentina, Kansas City (8 PM local, June 17 2 AM BST, June 17 11 AM AEST)
June 22 vs Jordan, San Francisco (8 PM local, June 23 4 AM BST, June 23 1 PM AEST)
June 27 vs Austria, Kansas City (9 PM local, June 28 3 AM BST, June 28 noon AEST)
It is likely that Petkovic will emphasize his players’ technical skills, aiming for an attractive style of play, albeit leaving vulnerabilities in their defense. However, uncertainty remains regarding which players will fill half of the starting positions.
The Head Coach
Following Algeria’s disappointing exit in the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Djamel Belmadi, who had led them to continental success in 2019, was dismissed abruptly and replaced by Vladimir Petkovic. This change sparked a divisive reaction among fans. Initially, little was known about Belmadi’s successor aside from his substantial salary. However, Petkovic, originally from Sarajevo and having relocated to Switzerland in his twenties, has managed to navigate through the negativity with a calm demeanor, which has proven essential in this challenging context. In his early months, he was frequently seen smiling, shaking hands, and delivering polite remarks. While this approach was warranted during a transitional phase over two years ago, some have begun to find his lack of charisma frustrating. A bright spot among both players and the wider Algerian community has been his choice of staff. Assistant coach Davide Morandi and physiotherapist Paolo Rongoni have garnered widespread respect and admiration during their tenure on the bench.
Key Player
At 35, Riyad Mahrez continues to be the focal point for Algeria. The 2016 PFA Player of the Year will captain the team, although he can no longer endure a full 90 minutes. Throughout the 2025 Cup of Nations, Mahrez was often substituted past the hour mark for the younger Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa. Nonetheless, he still possesses the ability to create moments of brilliance, especially in the early stages of matches. His younger teammates respect him, recognizing that they are playing alongside one of Algeria’s all-time greats.
Player to Watch
Ibrahim Maza exemplifies the modern attacking midfielder. At just 20, he adeptly finds space, receives the ball on the half-turn, and advances play with a maturity that belies his age. His low center of gravity and strong lower body allow him to withstand challenges easily, and his contributions in terms of passing and dribbling are already impressive. Comparisons to Florian Wirtz have followed him since arriving at Leverkusen, but Maza has arguably adapted to the international stage quicker than Wirtz did at Liverpool. He was one of the standout performers in the group stages of the 2025 Cup of Nations, and the World Cup offers the perfect opportunity for him to make a name for himself on a global scale.
Unsung Hero
While Hicham Boudaoui may not be Algeria’s top player, he is arguably their most crucial. In the absence of Mahrez, Maza, or Aït-Nouri due to minor injuries, the team would still have competent replacements. However, Boudaoui brings a unique asset that no other midfielder in the squad possesses: relentless running. The Nice player performs his box-to-box role flawlessly, breaking up opposition play before making impressive runs into the attacking third. He typically averages between 11km and 12km per match, making him a vital presence in midfield.
Predicted Starting Lineup
What Fans Can Expect
Most Algerian supporters attending the World Cup will hail from the North American or European diaspora. They will come prepared with darbukas (goblet drums) and trumpets, promising to generate a vibrant atmosphere, especially with their chant of “1,2,3, viva l’Algérie.” Older fans will particularly anticipate the final group stage clash against Austria, eager to seek redemption for the infamous Disgrace of Gijón, when West Germany and Austria conspired to eliminate Algeria from the 1982 World Cup.
US-Algeria Relations
After gaining independence, Algeria became a key player in the non-aligned movement, maintaining relations with both East and West during the Cold War. Recently, the relationship between the United States and Algeria has seen fluctuations. Although cooperation on energy and agriculture has expanded, the absence of a U.S. ambassador in Algeria persists as the Trump administration seeks to pressure Algeria and the Polisario Front into accepting Morocco’s autonomy plan regarding Western Sahara. Algerians, like many other Africans, have been subjected to the visa bond program, which requires them to pay up to $15,000 as a deposit for a U.S. tourist visa. This requirement was waived in May for those holding match tickets. According to the local embassy, very few Algerians have successfully completed the application process to attend the World Cup.
