Algeria are back at the World Cup finals for the first time in 12 years, where they were instantly welcomed with a baptism of fire after Lionel Messi inspired reigning champions Argentina to a 3-0 win in their opening game.
Former Leicester and Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez leads the charge of the Fennecs, who did reach the knockout stage for the first time on their most recent appearance in 2014, but they now have their work cut out if they are going to escape the clutches of Group J.
Algeria’s three other appearances have produced three group-stage exits – and that includes a controversial one in 1982 – so they will be keen to avoid another in 2026.
Algeria World Cup 2026 fixtures
Algeria had one of the toughest opening games of the 2026 World Cup, starting against defending champions Argentina on 17th June. Lionel Messi was simply unstoppable on the day, with his hat-trick giving the holders a 3-0 win.
Algeria now face fellow CAF side Jordan on 23rd June, then finish off the group against Austria on 28th June, which some may think could be the battle for second.
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 17th June 2026 | Argentina vs Algeria | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
| 23rd June 2026 | Jordan vs Algeria | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
| 28th June 2026 | Algeria vs Austria | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
READ MORE: Get the latest Algeria World Cup 2026 odds here
Algeria World Cup 2026 stats
Algeria route to the World Cup
CAF qualification for the World Cup may be the toughest campaign of them all. Fortunately, the continent was given more spots at the expanded 48-team tournament in 2026 and so things changed slightly. There was no third round this time, with group winners qualifying for the World Cup – and the best runners-up entering play-offs.
And Algeria made light work of their group, ensuring they didn’t have to deal with any second round and subsequent play-offs. The Fennecs won eight of their 10 group games, drawing one and losing the other. They finished seven points clear of second-placed Uganda.
Algeria key players for World Cup 2026
Algeria top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Riyad Mahrez
- Key stat: Riyad Mahrez has scored 37 goals for Algeria across his career.
Riyad Mahrez remains Algeria’s star man and this will almost definitely be his last World Cup, as he will be 39 in 2030. Although Mahrez isn’t the striker, he is one of Algeria’s all-time top goalscorers. Only Islam Slimani (45) has scored more goals for Algeria than Mahrez, but the 37-year-old striker was not in their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. So, there’s a chance he may not appear at the World Cup. Which will put a lot more impetus on Mahrez to bang in the goals.
Algeria primary playmaker: Ilan Kebbal
- Key stat: Ilan Kebbal has created 46 chances in Ligue 1 this season, providing four assists.
While Mahrez will also be creating, Algeria know they can rely on Ilan Kebbal to share the load. The 27-year-old has only made four appearances for Algeria with just 11 minutes coming at Afcon. But he looks set to be one they can utilise at the World Cup. Kebbal is a key creator in Ligue 1, proving four assists four Paris FC from 40 chances created. He sits top of the charts in the French league for chances created, level alongside Adrien Thomasson.
Algeria card magnets & top tacklers: Ramiz Zerrouki
- Key stat: Ramiz Zerrouki has made 47 tackles in the Eredivisie this season.
Ramiz Zerrouki is another who wasn’t an ever-present at Afcon, but he did play 164 minutes across four games. In that time, he avearged 5.49 tackles per 90 minutes — the best record at the tournament. It’s not a surprise, either. Zerrouki averages 2.12 tackles per 90 in the Eredivisie this season. He does also average 1.58 fouls committed per 90, with two total yellow cards.
Algeria rising star: Ibrahim Maza
Ibrahima Maza started four of Algeria’s five games at Afcon, earning a spot in the first-choice XI after a fine cameo against Sudan. Maza scored two and provided one assist across the tournament, playing either just behind the striker or alongside him. Maza only turned 20 in November and looks to be the next bright young star coming out of Algeria.
STAND-OUT STAT: Algeria were the first African nation to ever win two matches at a single World Cup, beating West Germany and Chile in 1982.
Set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Riyad Mahrez
- Free kicks: Riyad Mahrez, Fares Chaibi
- Corners: Riyad Mahrez, Fares Chaibi
Algeria tactical analysis and formation
Team stats (average per game from last four matches):
- Corners: 3.25
- Shots on target: 4.25
- Shots on target conceded: 3.0
- Offsides: 0.75
Algeria generally play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, though they have experimented with two strikers at times. It feels unlikely that the experiment will become the first-choice setup for the World Cup, given how used to the 4-2-3-1 Algeria are. The setup has Riyad Mahrez on his favoured right side, surrounded by creative talent to support to lone striker. There is more solidity just in front of the defence in the double pivot of Ramiz Zerrouki and Hicham Boudaoui.
READ MORE: Get the latest Algeria World Cup 2026 goals, shots, assists, tackle stats and more here
Algeria manager analysis
Vladimir Petkovic is a name (or a face) that a lot of international fans will recognize. He spent seven years in charge of the Switzerland national team, overseeing their 2018 World Cup campaign. Petkovic took the Algeria reins at the start of 2024, replacing Djamel Belmadi after the Fennecs were knocked out of the group stage at Afcon. He’s had a decent run with Algeria so far, losing just three of his 41 games so far.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vladimir Petkovic | Algeria | 30 | 22 | 4 | 4 | 71 | 25 | 73.3% |
Algeria World Cup FAQs
Have Algeria ever won the World Cup?
Algeria have never won the World Cup, making it past the group stage in just one of their four previous appearances.
Where did Algeria finish in the last World Cup?
Algeria were not present at the World Cup in 2022, last qualifying in 2014.
Who will be Algeria captain at the World Cup?
Riyad Mahrez is expected to continue as Algeria captain for the World Cup
Who is Algeria’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Three players have scored two goals for Algeria at the World Cup, with Salah Assad, Abdelmoumene Djabou and Islam Slimani the leading scorers.
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