Algeria’s World Cup 2026 Preview: Best Players, Roster, History
Algeria is set to make its return to the World Cup stage in 2026 after a long gap since its last participation in 2014, where they reached the Round of 16, marking their best tournament performance.
The team has celebrated success in the Africa Cup of Nations, clinching victory in 1990 and 2019, showcasing their prowess in the region.
Qualified Journey
Algeria earned its 2026 World Cup berth by dominating Group G in CAF qualifying, securing eight wins out of ten matches and only one loss, ending up with a seven-point advantage over Uganda.
Group Stage Fixtures
- June 16: Algeria vs. Argentina — Kansas City Stadium (9 p.m. ET)
- June 22: Algeria vs. Jordan — San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (11 p.m. ET)
- June 27: Algeria vs. Austria — Kansas City Stadium (10 p.m. ET)
Group J Overview
Group J will include Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
Historical World Cup Performance
- Algeria’s previous World Cup appearances: 1982, 1986, 2010, 2014.
- Best finish: Round of 16 in 2014.
Key Players
- Riyad Mahrez: A cornerstone of the Algerian squad, boasting multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League victory with Manchester City.
- Rayan Aït-Nouri: A Premier League talent known for his versatility and robust defensive skills.
- Ramy Bensebaini: Offers depth in defense with a strong background in the Bundesliga.
Manager
Vladimir Petković took on the managerial role for Algeria in 2024, following successful stints with Switzerland that included reaching the Euro 2020 quarterfinals.
Algeria’s All-Time Leading Scorer
- Islam Slimani: 45 goals (active player), with a career spanning several high-profile clubs.
Team Nickname
- Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes)
Country Information
- Population: Approximately 47.7 million
- Capital: Algiers
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