Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Squad, Manager, Fixtures & Tournament History

Algeria are back on the world stage — and they are returning with a score to settle. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Canada, Mexico and the United States marks Les Fennecs' fifth appearance at the tournament and their first since Brazil 2014, where they pushed eventual champions Germany all the way to extra time in the Round of 16 before bowing out with their heads held high.

Under Vladimir Petković, Algeria arrive at the expanded 48-team competition with confidence, ambition and a squad built around genuine quality. That 2014 run was no accident — and they are determined to prove it.

The Coach: Vladimir Petković

Petković took charge of Algeria in February 2024, bringing with him a wealth of international management experience. The Sarajevo-born tactician built his reputation across a lengthy career in Swiss football — most notably at Bellinzona and Young Boys — before branching out to Türkiye and Italy, where he won the 2013 Coppa Italia with Lazio.

His most prominent role prior to Algeria was as head coach of the Swiss national team, a tenure that included guiding the Nati to the final tournament of the 2018/19 UEFA Nations League, a Round of 16 appearance at the 2018 World Cup and a quarter-final at UEFA EURO 2020. A brief spell at Bordeaux followed before he was handed the Algeria job. He has since steered the team through a successful AFCON qualifying campaign and delivered World Cup qualification — the main objective now is to make an impact in North America.

Algeria's 2026 World Cup Fixtures & Group

16 June: Argentina v Algeria – Kansas City Stadium

22 June: Jordan v Algeria – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

27 June: Algeria v Austria – Kansas City Stadium

How Algeria Qualified

Algeria confirmed their place at the 2026 finals with a 3-0 win over Somalia on Matchday 9 of the CAF qualifying campaign. Across the full group stage, they lost just once — a 2-1 home defeat to Guinea — alongside one draw and eight victories. The driving force throughout was Mohamed Amoura, whose ten qualifying goals left him far ahead of any rival in Group G, where the next best scorers managed just three each.

Algeria's World Cup Record

Confederation

CAF

Best Finish

Round of 16 (2014)

Last Appearance

Brazil 2014 (Round of 16)

First Appearance

Spain 1982 (Group stage)

Total Appearances

5 (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, 2026)

Overall Record

P13 W3 D3 L7 F13 A19

Algeria's First World Cup: Spain 1982

Algeria's World Cup debut at Spain 1982 remains one of the most remarkable maiden appearances in the tournament's history. In their very first match, they pulled off a stunning upset against West Germany — becoming the first African nation ever to defeat European opposition at the World Cup. It was an extraordinary way to announce themselves on the global stage.

A 2-0 defeat to Austria followed, but Algeria recovered to beat Chile 3-2 in their final group game — leading 3-0 inside 35 minutes before a nervy finish. Despite recording two wins from three matches, they were eliminated on goal difference when West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in a result that suited both European sides — a game that became known as the "Disgrace of Gijón" and directly led to FIFA introducing simultaneous final group-stage fixtures. Algeria became the first team in World Cup history to win twice in the group stage and still be eliminated — an unjust fate that added to the sense of occasion around their debut.

Algeria's Last World Cup: Brazil 2014

Brazil 2014 stands as the high point of Algerian football history. For the first time, Les Fennecs advanced beyond the group stage — and they did so in style. An opening 2-1 defeat to Belgium was followed by a thrilling 4-2 win over Korea Republic, with Algeria racing into a 3-0 lead before half-time through Islam Slimani, Rafik Halliche and Abdelmoumene Djabou. A 1-1 draw with Russia in the final group game, Slimani with the equaliser, sealed their place in the knockout rounds.

In the Round of 16, they faced eventual champions Germany — and gave them an almighty scare. Despite losing 2-1 after extra time, Algeria's display earned a standing ovation and captured the imagination of a global audience. As coach Vahid Halilhodžić recalled: "Everyone had us down to concede five, six or seven, but we produced an almost faultless display. During that tournament, the whole country lived and breathed the team. Everyone put their lives on hold, with some 40 million Algerians tuning in for the match."

Algeria's Most Memorable World Cup Moments

While 2014 represents the pinnacle, the 1982 campaign left an equally indelible mark on Algerian football history. Beyond the shock victory over West Germany, Algeria became the first African side to register two wins at a single World Cup edition — even if the injustice of their elimination made the achievement bittersweet. Rabah Madjer — later famous for his iconic back-heel goal for Porto in the 1987 European Cup final against Bayern Munich — had the honour of scoring Algeria's very first World Cup goal in that tournament.

Algeria's All-Time World Cup Top Scorers

Algeria's 13 World Cup goals have been shared among no fewer than ten different scorers, with three players netting twice each. Salah Assad scored two in the 3-2 win over Chile at Spain 1982, while Djabou and Slimani each struck twice in the 4-2 victory over Korea Republic at Brazil 2014. Djabou also added a consolation goal against Germany in the Round of 16, reflecting on the achievement at the time: "Scoring two World Cup goals is no mean feat, but hard work and perseverance do pay dividends."

Algeria's Most Capped World Cup Player

Rafik Halliche was a near ever-present across Algeria's last two World Cup campaigns, featuring in six of their seven matches at the 2010 and 2014 tournaments. He captained the side against Russia and again in the Round of 16 against Germany, stepping in for regular skipper Madjid Bougherra who was carrying an injury. The commanding centre-back also contributed a powerful header against Korea Republic in 2014 — the only World Cup goal of his international career.