Algeria Secures Spot in 2026 World Cup
By Associated Press
October 9, 2025, 01:54 PM ET
BIR EL DJIR, Algeria — In a decisive match, Algeria has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the fourth African nation to secure a place in the tournament, following the likes of Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.
The team clinched their spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Somalia, effectively topping Group G during the African qualifying rounds. This marks Algeria’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
Under the leadership of captain Riyad Mahrez and former Swiss national coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria has joined neighboring countries Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt, led by renowned player Mohamed Salah, in the upcoming expanded 48-team tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This will be Algeria’s fifth World Cup appearance, with their only advancement beyond the group stage occurring in 2014, when they were eliminated by Germany in the round of 16.
A total of nine African teams will be directly qualifying for the tournament, with a draw for the World Cup set for December 5 in Washington D.C. The remaining five group winners will be determined in the coming week, while the four best runners-up will compete in a knockout phase in November for a chance at the playoffs.
Although the match against Somalia was officially a home game for the latter, it was held at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex in Algeria. Fans were treated to an impressive performance by Mahrez, who previously played for Manchester City and currently competes with Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
In this match, Mahrez assisted teammate Mohamed Amoura for the opening goal in the sixth minute. He then scored himself with a powerful shot into the roof of the net in the 19th minute, only to provide another assist for Amoura in the 58th minute.
Mahrez began his international career just weeks before the 2014 World Cup and was part of Algeria’s squad, participating in the first group game.
Uganda remains in second place in Group G, trailing Algeria by four points after a 1-0 win against Botswana, while Mozambique lost 2-1 to Guinea. The final matches will see Uganda face Algeria and Mozambique take on Somalia.
As anticipation builds for next year’s World Cup, all African teams aim to replicate Morocco’s historic achievement of reaching the semifinals in the 2022 tournament held in Qatar.
n
