ALGERIA

Algeria is a five-time World Cup participant with a best result of the 2014 round of 16. At the 2026 World Cup, Algeria plays in Group J against Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. Head coach Vladimir Petković, a Serb of Bosnian origin (since February 2024) and the former Switzerland coach at Euro 2016. The leaders: Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ittihad, captain), Ismaël Bennacer, Houssem Aouar, Baghdad Bounedjah.

In 1982 in Spain, Algeria debuted at the World Cup and sensationally beat West Germany 2:1 in the opening group match — Lakhdar Belloumi's goal. In the final round came the "Disgrace of Gijón": Austria and West Germany played 1:0, which sent both through at Algeria's expense. After that scandal, FIFA introduced simultaneous final group matches. In 2014 in Brazil, Algeria reached the round of 16 — a 1:2 extra-time loss to Germany (Schürrle's winner in the 121st minute). Since then two missed cycles: 2018 and 2022.

Qualifying ended in first place in CAF with 8 wins from 10. Petković, who won the Nations League with Switzerland, built the team on discipline and counterattacks. In Group J the main rival is Argentina (the opener on June 17 in Kansas City). Matches are in Kansas City, San Francisco, and Kansas City. A win over Austria in the group finale on June 28 could open the round of 16 — but these are "spoilers," not favorites.

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